DP Ruto and Kivutha Kibwana Meeting Revives Union Talks

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Deputy President William Ruto
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Deputy President William Ruto.
File

The possibility of a political marriage between Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Deputy President William Ruto is the talk of the town, following their recent meeting in Makueni.

DP Ruto and the Makueni governor met at the Africa Inland Church Bomani in Machakos Town on Sunday, October 12.

Just a week earlier, the country's second in command had made a courtesy visit to Makueni, where he evaluated a number county development projects.

"Today, I hosted DP William Ruto in Kibwezi, UoN farm, to launch the Makueni Agricultural Value Chain Incubation Centre, the third of its kind in Kenya after Siaya and Nandi. The Ksh 40M project is a partnership between the County Government, National Government and the University of Nairobi," Kibwana stated following the visit.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Deputy President William Ruto (Right) in Makueni on October 4, 2020.
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Deputy President William Ruto (Right) in Makueni on October 4, 2020.
File

However, it was what was not revealed to the media that sparked conversations, especially the fact that the two have met twice in as many weeks.

Kibwana has been open about his presidential ambitions, however, political pundits have questioned his nationwide appeal and ability to garner a following in vote-rich regions such as the Rift Valley.

A 'handshake' with the DP would no doubt create a major headache for the Raila led side of the divide.

The governor has been able to appeal to the youth through his development success stories in Makueni, while the DP has been steadily loading his ballot box with 'hustlers' who have expressed concerns over what they deem to be marginalization by the elite.

In an interview on Musyi FM, the 66-year-old governor coyly shut down any rumours regarding him as the DP's pet project, asserting that he intended to vie for the top office.

The question on who will be DP Ruto's running mate in the 2022 elections is yet to be answered, with several leaders in his camp such as former CS Mwangi Kiunjuri openly expressing interest in the role.

On the other side of the fence, ODM party leader Raila Odinga is expected to take another stab at the presidency.

However, his number 2 is a topic that has raised unanswered questions going by the list of leaders on his side. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi to name but a few.

The stakes regarding the choice of a running mate have never been higher, as Raila and Ruto prepare to face off in the next general elections.

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the late Kenneth Matiba's home in Limuru in April 2018.
President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the late Kenneth Matiba's home in Limuru in April 2018.
The Standard