Naivasha residents protest against senator for dismissing Ruto's 2022 drive

Residents of Naivasha burn the effigy of nominated Senator Paul Njoroge (left) for claiming Central Kenya voters would not support Deputy President William Ruto in 2022. (PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/ STANDARD)

Naivasha residents held a demonstration against nominated Senator Paul Njoroge for dismissing Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 candidature.

During the demonstration, the residents burned the effigy of the senator who hails from Naivasha.

Speaking during a Press conference in Nairobi, Njoroge had claimed that Ruto will not get automatic support from the Central Kenya in 2022.

The senator further argued the Deputy President may not be President Uhuru Kenyatta's running mate in next year's General Election.

He becomes the second Jubilee leader after Kiambu Governor William Kabogo expressed similar sentiments last month.

Political, business and youth leaders who joined the Naivasha demonstration said the embattled senator neither represents their interests nor that of the Central Kenya community.

Lake View MCA Simon Wanyoike accused the senator of overstepping his mandate.

Wanyoike said Naivasha constituency was fully behind the President, adding that Njoroge's remarks were personal.

"We are perturbed by the senator's statement and we want to categorically say that the Kikuyu community is not short of leaders who can speak on its behalf," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Naivasha businessman Anthony Rebo, who called on the senator to perform his duties of representation and leave succession politics to other leaders.

"We know he is working for CORD and its agents but he will receive the shock of his life when we vote for our President and his deputy come 2017 and for Ruto in 2022," said nominated MCA Esther Njeri.

"Though his home is here, we have agreed that he will not hold any meetings here as we want peace and that is what we are calling for," said Youth Leader Mwangi Muraya.

Elsewhere, URP leaders led by Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly dismissed Njoroge's sentiments, saying that it is upon the public to decide on who to vote for in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.

"Njoroge is acting alone and there is no way he can convince the entire voting bloc from Central Kenya. Furthermore he is not their spokesman," said Mr Melly.

He accused Senator Njoroge of brewing division among communities based on perceptions about elections.

"It is important to note that there is no way one community will shape the fate of the country's political landscape and that is why it would be ideal if leaders make statements that unite instead of dividing citizens," he said.

Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen termed the senator as a self-seeker who is pursuing prominence through divisive statements.

"He is more so a nominated senator and does not represent any region. There is a likelihood that he wants to speak up the loudest so that he can yet again get a political seat in 2017. He should have consulted first before purporting to speak on behalf of the Central region," he added.

Mr Bowen said the senator had not been active in the Jubilee party and his nomination could be withdrawn if he continues to speak ill against the political marriage.

"We are aware that Njoroge is bitter and has personal issues with the DP. He has however forgotten that he can be removed from his seat if he continues to create divisions among regions," said Bowen.

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Eusilah Ngeny maintained that the DP was free to traverse the country, noting that does not mean he has begun campaigns for 2022.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat however said the remarks by Njoroge and Kabogo should be taken seriously by the electorate.

"Ruto should know whatever the two have been putting across are signs of a political split in Jubilee," he said.