Western Kenya leaders drum up support for Ruto 2022 bid

At least 10 Members of Parliament from Western Kenya have said they will support Deputy President William Ruto in his 2022 presidential bid.

The leaders said the region would no longer host opposition politics but instead direct its energy on development.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with youths in Nairobi hosted by Mr Ruto at his Karen residence on Thursday, the leaders said time had come for Kenyans to embrace the kind of politics that leans towards economic transformation.

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali said Western region was shifting from the politics of handouts and empty promises to one that is focused on the betterment of the lives of people.

“This development that we aspire to have will come from the partnerships and working engagements from leaders with people’s interests at heart,” he said.

Bumula MP Moses Mabonga said they were united in supporting Mr Ruto as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successor in 2022.

He said the region’s development plan had been stained by its historical ties with opposition politics.

“We do not want to remain behind in terms of development again. We are going to have friends who will change the lives of the people,” he added.

Among the leaders present were Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Mohamed, MPs Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Janet Nangabo (Women Rep, Trans-Nzoia), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Nixon Korir (Lang’ata), Justus Murunga (Matungu) and Lusweti Mukwe (Kabuchai).

Mr Lusaka said Kenyans stood to gain by leaders forging working partnerships, adding that devolution had proved a key ingredient of development.

“It is through our unity that we can achieve as much development as possible in our country. As leaders unite, I urge all Kenyans to join hands and push this agenda forward,” said the Senate Speaker.

Mr Mukwe, who was elected on a Ford Kenya ticket, insinuated he was going to work with the government, saying “I will not stand where the posh mill is not working”.

Trans-Nzoia Women Representative called on women to rally behind Mr Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

“And do not just sit there and wait for these seats to be handed over to you. I urge you (women) to go out and fight for these seats. We are past handouts politics,” she added.

The Deputy President said the government was committed to opening up every corner of Kenya through different development projects.

“Transforming this country calls for us to bring together our strengths and work together so that we can been benefit from the economies of scale,” he said.

The DP noted that he was after striking partnerships and not creating followers.