Deputy President William Ruto has seemingly devised a new strategy to further his 2022 political ambitions amid the disruptions caused by the Covid-19.
In a report by the Daily Nation on Sunday, April 5, the DP is seeking to win Gusii votes, a stronghold of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga where Interior CS Fred Matiang'i is emerging as a kingpin.
The publication noted that the DP was increasingly involving women groups in his campaign strategies in an effort to wrestle away the region's support.
Previously, Ruto had been well known in the region for his generous donations during harambees and church services - something that has been put on hold due to the need for social distancing occasioned by Covid-19
His new strategy is reportedly being spearheaded by former Bomet Women Representative Cecilia Ng’etich.
The publication reported that, in March, about 200 women drawn from various counties in Gusii met at Monarch Hotel grounds in Mosocho to come up with ways to elevate Ruto's support in the region.
“We are here to ensure that Ruto takes State House in the next General Election. The census has shown that we have the numbers, we must now be heard,” stated Ng'etich.
According to the report, the DP had commanded a sizeable following in the region but it was under threat since Matiang'i got appointed as the Interior CS.
Nationally, the DP enjoys support from the Inua Mama faction of the Jubilee Party, a women-only outfit that has religiously drummed up support for the DP.
The group is led by fiery Kandara MP Alice Wahome who is among the notable Mt Kenya leaders Ruto banks on.
"Alice Wahome is a supreme member of the outfit and has been able to unite the women. That's why we do not have divisive politics within our ranks. She is in charge of the logistics and running the outfit.
"Inua Mama is not aligned to any politician. It's about us women coming together to empower other women in the community. We are not funded by any politician. We contribute monthly and plan our diary," Dalphine Njeri, an Inua Mama strategist, told Kenyans.co.ke in 2019.
