Leaders from the wider Mt Kenya region met on Saturday morning, September 4, and reaffirmed their support for Deputy President William Ruto in the 2022 presidential race.
The group comprised of lawmakers from 10 counties of Mt Kenya namely Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru and Nairobi stated that they had reached a consensus to support Ruto and also work under one party.
In their statement, the MPs said they decided to support Ruto, following his stellar track record from his days as the Eldoret North MP, to his performance at the Ministries of Agriculture and Higher Education.
Further, the lawmakers cited Ruto's role in the current government in the first term, which they opined played a crucial part in development.
"His outstanding contribution to the success of this administration, especially in the first term, his commitment and loyalty to national unity and service delivery," the statement read in part.
According to the statement read by the lawmakers, the lawmakers resolved to use the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to support Dr Ruto.
The legislators seemed to ignore calls from a section of Mt Kenya leaders led by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to form a coalition with individual political parties.
This comes also against the backdrop of wrangles and displeasure expressed by outspoken Bahati Member of Parliament, Kimani Ngunjiri, who issued a statement in the wake of brewing divisions in Ruto's camp.
Kimani expressed his displeasure after being left out of a meeting between Nakuru leaders and the Deputy President that was held at the latter's Karen residence on Thursday, September 2.
In the statement, the MP lamented that issues were presented by aspiring United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates rather than those holding elective positions.
Some Mt Kenya leaders have been reluctant to join UDA, with some pushing for a coalition of individual parties. Moses Kuria opined that the region does not need to rally behind one party, since every person brings something different to a coalition.
This argument was condemned and dismissed by the leaders during today's Laikipia meeting, insisting that they will work under UDA.
