PANIC IN RUTO’S CAMP AS KEY POLITICIANS DESERT HIM

Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential run could be jolted by the absence of key regional kingpins in his campaign machine.

Unlike his opponents, Ruto has assembled a team of relatively youthful politicians attempting to play national politics for the first time.

His strategy has largely flopped in several recent by-elections where known regional chiefs have stamped their authority to ward off his penetration of their territories. 

On Friday, Ruto’s UDA candidate lost the Machakos by-election by a huge margin to Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party. 

Ironically, this is the home turf of UDA chairman Johnson Muthama, a key member of the DP’s think tank who has vowed to deliver Ukambani to Ruto.

Wiper’s Agnes Kavindu—Muthama’s estranged wife—garnered 104,352 votes against UDA’s Urbanus Ngengele who managed a paltry 19,726 votes.

MPs Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) are among Ruto’s allies from Machakos county.

Two weeks ago, Ruto also lost in Matungu and Kabuchai, both in Western. 

The seats were won by Musalia Mudavadi’s  ANC Party and Moses Wetangu’s Ford Kenya respectively.

In Western, Ruto’s campaign is driven by among others former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Achesa, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and Kimilili MP Didmus Baraza.

On Monday, UDA tactically backed off on an earlier decision to field a candidate for the Juja parliamentary by-election as President Uhuru Kenyatta took charge of the campaign.

Uhuru had earlier met former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo to strategise for the polls. 

Former Cabinet Minister Franklin Bett said the DP is too much exposed and may be vanquished not because he has no national support but because he keeps the company of “suspicious people”.

“When you look at the Coast, the DP may not have a fighting chance given the political fire power of the people like Joho and Kingi. Ruto can successfully penetrate there if he has the support of either of the two,” Bett said.

“It surprises me when some people who, in one way or the other, are battling some cases, run to the DP’s camp. That is not building a strategic team for 2022.”

 Ruto’s main opponents appear to be building their formations around key leaders seen as regional stalwarts in a bid to enhance their 2022 fortunes.

Analysts opine that the absence of heavyweight in the DP’s camp could significantly whittle down his plan to drive a successful presidential run.

Except in Ruto’s own Kalenjin backyard where he commands the support of all governors except Elgeyo Marakwet’s Alex Tolgos, the DP’s camp has no solid backing of county bosses in other regions.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya’s support for the DP could be doubtful given that he has never accompanied him to political campaigns across the country.

Before their impeachment, Ruto’s Tangatanga brigade enjoyed the backing of ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waitutu and former Nairobi county boss Mike Sonko.

Sonko is battling graft charges, while Waititu appears to have shifted his allegiance to Uhuru’s camp.

Most of the country’s 47 county chiefs are aligned to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga.

By The Star

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