DP William Ruto is oiling his campaign machinery in a bid to grind slowly but steadily secure his rise to the country's helm.
High placed sources have revealed that the Deputy President has engaged in a series of high profile meetings in a bid to consolidate his base and lock his fortunes in the run up to 2022.
An insider from Ruto's office told Kenyans.co.ke that the DP has been eyeing the vote-rich Mt Kenya region as the region to give him his Deputy.
"He is keen to ensure that the mountain region is fully behind him. It will be also a way of saying thank-you to the people who supported the Uhuruto ticket in the past two elections," the source disclosed.
1. Anne Mumbi Waiguru
The Kirinyaga governor reportedly tops the list of the people that Ruto has met on several instances and has high chances of settling on her as a running mate.
Kenyans.co.ke learnt that the DP is considering Waiguru since she would help drive the Affirmative Agenda and help the country draw closer to having the first female president.
The duo reportedly has at least three meetings including at Ruto's Karen home, at a ranch in Nanyuki town and another one in Kirinyaga which was held in the sidelines of the 6th Annual Devolution Conference.
"Waiguru is being considered to be easily marketable given her demeanor and bringing on-board the Mt Kenya region would be a big win for the DP," the source disclosed.
2. Mike Sonko
The Nairobi County boss is another candidate that Ruto is training his eyes on.
Although Sonko has been known for his unorthodox approach to issues, the DP is highly considering him due to his popularity among the youth.
The two have had several meetings including in Karen, at Harambee Annex, and in Mombasa with the intention of inking a deal.
"Sonko is responding well to the negotiations. His edge over the other candidates is that he has a metropolitan appeal which makes him reliable in the countrywide vote hunting exercise," an insider privy to the discussions told Kenyans.co.ke.
3. Alfred Mutua
The Machakos governor is also on the list of the possible running mates that the DP is exploring.
The former government spokesman is said to have a youthful appeal and is a powerful orator.
Settling on Mutua would also bring the Ukambani voter block on board giving Ruto an edge in the Eastern region.
"Mutua's leadership style and capacity to deliver is core to DP Ruto's presidency. It is one thing that he believes can help him secure a legacy only comparable to Mwai Kibaki's tenure in office," another aide to the DP intimated to Kenyans.co.ke.
4. Moses Kuria
The vocal Gatundu South MP is another politician who the DP has been engaging in talks with the plan of picking him as his Deputy President.
A reliable source in Jubilee Party told Kenyans.co.ke that the brewing partnership with Ruto is likely what has driven Kuria in announcing his candidature.
"It is nothing out of the ordinary, other leaders have done it in the past. You front as two separate candidates only to marshal your forces together as the election nears," our contact informed.
Although Kuria poses both as a critic and an ally to the DP, the duo has met in secret meetings in Nairobi. Kuria reportedly flew to Ruto's Sugoi home in early March to deliberate on the possibility of a joint ticket.
5. Peter Kenneth
The former Gatanga MP is the fifth person that Ruto is considering to share the presidency with come 2022.
Kenneth is reportedly being considered as "tried and tested" given that he has run for the highest seat in the land, albeit unsuccessfully.
Multiple sources privy to the discussion noted that although Kenneth did not garner enough votes in the past, Ruto is considering him due to his performance record during his tenure as MP where he was ranked the best in CDF management.
"Kenneth also has an appeal among the youth and can also sell across the region and his Mt Kenya backyard as well," a leader from the Rift Valley indicated.
The insider also revealed that Peter Kenneth’s rants against the DP are just sideshows to distract everyone and give time to consolidate teams and potential partners.
It’s also giving him time and a chance to get back into the political arena and grow familiarity with the Kenyan citizenry.
As to who Ruto settles for as his DP come 2022, only time will tell with certainty.
DISCLAIMER:
This is a work of fiction. Although many of the places referenced in the article are real, the events are entirely fictional to fit the occasion... April Fools Day. Have a great one folks.
