Deputy President William Ruto is reportedly walking a political tightrope in trying to pick the perfect candidate from a wide array of politicians as his 2022 poll running mate.
Ruto seems to be torn between selecting a Mount Kenya running mate, who would make it easier for him to woo President Uhuru Kenyatta’s supporters and appeasing other regions.
In Mt Kenya, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria are possible candidates.
Other politicians from Uhuru’s backyard seen as potential running mates are Agriculture CS Mwangi Kinujuri, his Trade counterpart Peter Munya and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.
The front-runners from Western region are Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka.
Coast has been another keen focus for Ruto with Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and his Kwale counterpart Salim Mvurya being touted as possibilities.
Ukambani region may also join the fray with Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua announcing that he would be running for President.
Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is also seen as a potential candidate and the two may use this to negotiate with Ruto.
According to Political analyst Mark Bichachi who spoke to The Star, Ruto could lose the 2022 polls if he doesn’t manage to successfully woo any of the opposition bigwigs.
He stated that Ruto has nobody within his camp who commands the same following he had in 2013 and 2017 when he supported President Uhuru.
“All the potential deputy president candidates with political clout are his opponents. This is Ruto’s biggest dilemma,” he divulged.
On the other hand, the DP’s strategists disclosed that whoever will be picked as deputy must have a firm grip on their political backyard so as to add significant votes to Ruto’s basket to successfully parry the opposition onslaught.
