Ruto tours Mt Kenya as local leaders pledge support in 2022 elections

Deputy President William Ruto (centre) with Senator Kiraitu Murungi and Lands CS Jacob Kaimenyi during a function at Muthankari Secondary School, Meru County yesterday. [PHOTO/DPPS]

Deputy President William Ruto toured Mt Kenya yesterday with local leaders assuring him of the region’s unwavering support. Ruto’s visit to Meru where he was hosted by local leaders was significant coming days after Kiambu Governor William Kabogo claimed that the region’s support for him was not automatic (read the full story on page 19).

Yesterday’s meeting was turned into a platform by the leaders to assure the DP that the region would not renege on its promise to support him in 2022. Ruto however did not respond to the remarks, choosing to address the stalemate over the electoral commission.

He said the Government is ready for dialogue with the Opposition but insists it must be done within the constitutional framework.

In a show of solidarity with the DP, the leaders present castigated Kabogo for his recent utterances to the effect that Ruto was not the automatic Jubilee presidential candidate in 2022.

The leaders spoke at Murathankari Girl High School in North Imenti during a fundraiser to construct classes.

“Whatever you are hearing from the other side is not the voice of Mount Kenya people but those who are day dreaming,” said Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi.

The leaders who included 11 MPs led by Kiraitu noted that they had overwhelmingly decided to back Ruto after President Uhuru Kenyatta completes his second term.

“DP Ruto is an example for the youth. He was a hustler who sold eggs but rose to become the DP. We have no doubt he will be our president in 2022, and the country will go places,” observed Kiraitu.

His sentiments were echoed by Igembe Central MP Kubai Kiringo and Gideon Kimathi, the Meru County’s Deputy Speaker. “We will not sit down and allow a few individuals to divide the region as if they are they are speaking on behalf of the whole region,” said Kiringo.

Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) noted that the Mount Kenya people will continue supporting the President and his deputy in steering the country ahead, adding that Ruto was best placed to succeed Uhuru.

At the meeting, differences between Senator Kiraitu and Governor Peter Munya played out after several MPs turned it into a political duel between the two friends-turned rivals.

They supported Kiraitu for the gubernatorial seat next year. Munya, who was conspicuously absent, came under attack from the senator, Woman rep Florence Kajuju and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, and Aburi saying he had failed to initiate any meaningful development projects.