Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto on Monday surprised many when he indicated that he had been selected as the National Super Alliance (NASA) flag-bearer but turned down the offer in favour of a Raila Odinga candidature.
The Governor, who was speaking while endorsing Chama Cha Mashinani aspirants in Kericho, stated that his importance in the Rift Valley politics persuaded NASA principals to select him as the flag-bearer for the coalition.
The former Council of Governors (CoG) boss, however, turned down the position stating that he was not ready to lead the alliance.
“I went to negotiate with my fellows in Nairobi. It was a hard bargain as everyone wanted the top seat. I also wanted it.
“At one point, I won the support of the others who thought that if I was picked, we would be assured of 90 per cent of the Rift Valley votes plus others,” Mr Ruto stated.
Governor Ruto further explained that after consultation with his political advisors, he saw it wise to shelve his ambition on condition that the change of power to the next principal would be one-term.
“Raila is not a bad man. Let us support him as he will only take us to the Promised Land where there is no poverty and economic challenges. We now call him Joshua arap Mibei,” he stated.
The fifth NASA principal also highlighted that he had joined the Opposition alliance after they pledged to set aside 45 per cent of the annual budget for devolution.
Read also: Ruto Speaks on Quitting Governor Race After NASA Cabinet Offer
