November 16, 2024

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Ruto’s running mate dilemma as he shifts to Western region

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Deputy President William Ruto and Musalia Mudavadi’s unity has sparked anxiety and uncertainty of possible new political matrix the former appeared to shift focus for running mate preference from Mount Kenya to Western ahead of the August polls.

Declaration to work together between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) has ignited discomfort amongst the Mt Kenya brigade allied to UDA who remain adamant that the DP must pick a running mate from the rich vote basket bloc.

However, insiders within UDA’s strategy team are said to working on an alternative plan over what they perceive UDA’s gradually waning political from the mountain.

Is Musalia Mudavadi plotting alliance with DP Ruto?

Speaking yesterday at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi following the launch of Mudavadi’s presidential bid, Ruto stated that he has joined hands with Mudavadi’s band wagon towards a national transformation mission and quest for power.

“We will work with ANC, Ford-Kenya and all other parties that want to walk with us in this journey of bringing the nation together,” Ruto said.

The UDA party leader has however not announced his running mate up to date raising the question whether he has shifted his focus from the Mt Kenya region to western.

UDA has experienced political blows in Mt Kenya after Ngirici ditched the party, with Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, stating that he would not fold up his party to join the DP’s party.

Ngirici earlier reclaimed her office and other campaign machinery after her exit from the party.

RUTO: I'm Ready to Work With Mudavadi Come 2022 - 254News

She also removed UDA branding materials from her campaign machinery including her public address truck and personal vehicles.

“In 2022, I will not stand with any political party. I will seek to be elected as a governor, as an individual, and I’m confident that I will sail through,” the Woman Rep stated.

His support contributed significantly to President Uhuru Kenyatta victories in the 2013 and 2017 elections.

The DP seems to have come to terms with the fact that the president may not back his presidential bid in next year’s election, he hopes Mt Kenya residents will return the favour.

Mudavadi and Ruto worried over Raila's silent moves ahead of 2022 -  SonkoNews

The UDA party leader announced that the new camp’s campaign run is set to kick off this week in Nakuru County as they popularize their bid.

“The journey to bring this unity together has started in Bomas and our next stop will be Wednesday in Nakuru County and Friday in Western Kenya,” Ruto stated.

The ANC party had been seen to downplay his move as he had boycotted OKA’s meeting causing speculations for his move to UDA or ODM thus bringing a conclusion he will be part of UDA as the DP was present for his announcement.