TOP RUNNING MATES FOR RAILA AND RUTO

The Deputy President’s office has not lost its appeal despite the woes currently facing its current occupant and the country’s number two, William Ruto.

Attaining this position brings one just a step away from the highest office in the land, with its occupant taking up the President’s roles whenever the leader is out of the country or indisposed.

Two of the office’s past occupants, Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi who served while it was referred to as the Vice Presidency, gained experience that propelled them to the highest office in the land.

The road to 2022 has seen tensions reach fever pitch, with the well-documented hustlers vs dynasties agenda dominating the political talk.

However, those running for the Presidency in the 2022 general elections have their work cut out for them with regard to the choice of running mate.

Below are 7 individuals who have been constantly mentioned when it comes to running mates.

Anne Waiguru

The Kirinyaga Governor’s name has been mentioned severally as a potential candidate for the number two role.

Before her surprise switch to back ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, some political pundits had even dubbed her the perfect partner for DP Ruto.

Her county may not be the most populous (610,411 in 2019), but the governor has been steadily working on a nationwide appeal over the years. Her gender could also prove to be an advantage.

Hassan Joho

The charismatic Mombasa Governor alias 001, has the gift of garb that most politicians spend decades cultivating.

An ODM Party stalwart, Joho is serving his final term as Mombasa boss which explains the ambition for a higher role in the 2022 general elections.

According to IEBC data, Mombasa had 580,223 registered voters in 2017, and Joho’s sway in the coastal region as a whole could provide a rich vote basket for any partner.

Kivutha Kibwana

His recent meeting with DP Ruto stirred rumors over a potential deal that could see the two team up in 2022.

The Makueni Governor has always been quick to rubbish any claims that he is a project of the country’s second in command.

However, pundits have observed the public camaraderie between the two politicians.

For DP Ruto’s hustlers, you have Kibwana constant reference to representing the common mwananchi.

His track record in Makueni has been lauded several times with the man himself expressing his interest in targeting the biggest office in the land.

Musalia Mudavadi

He is one of two leaders in this list of potential running mates in the 2022 General Elections who has actually served as Kenya’s number two..

The ANC Party leader served as the seventh Vice President of Kenya in 2002 and as Deputy Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013.

He has previously been endorsed as the leader of the vote-rich Luhya nation, making him a candidate many presidential candidates would want in their corner.

Kalonzo Musyoka

The other potential candidate who has also had experience as the country’s number two – having served as Vice President to President Mwai Kibaki.

A good majority of the Kamba populous tends to follow his recommendations on election day which has seen him remain as an influential politician for decades.

The rise of Kibwana and Alfred Mutua’s ever-growing stature may be his biggest challenge yet but the former VP has always found a way to stay in the game.

His recent pact with the Jubilee Party is what led many to speculate on a possible alliance in the 2022 general elections.

Alfred Mutua

The Machakos Governor has made it clear that he intends to run for president in 2022.

However, past experiences have shown Kenyans that most candidates often end up forging alliances to boost their chances of negotiating for another seat.

Governor Mutua has been touring the country in a bid to boost his national appeal thereby making him an ideal partner by 2022.

Gideon Moi

The Baringo Senator, carrier of a politically valuable last name, is also in the list of potential running mates.

He is often seen holding meetings at his Kabarak home and is believed to be planning a Presidential run in 2022.

President Uhuru Kenyatta raised political eyebrows when he elected him as the country’s representative and sent him to Malawi. The KANU party leader was also selected as his father political heir.

It’s hard to argue against the fact that you need vast resources (money) to win an election and Gideon certainly has deep pockets that would oil a national political campaign.

The ideal partner will make or break a candidate. For example a Raila-Waiguru ticket could send ripples down the spine of all their rivals, but so would a Ruto-Kibwana or Ruto-Joho deal.

Politicians have already started drumming up support for the 2022 elections, with the choice of running mates a card they have elected to play close to the chest, for now.