DP Ruto presidency deal in 2022 a pipedream, says Nick Salat

Kanu secretary general Nick Salat during a fundraiser in Aid of contracting a church at AIC Chemogoch in Mogotio sub-county in Baringo on October 9,2016.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Kanu has told Deputy President William Ruto he was not guaranteed the presidency in 2022 if President Uhuru Kenyatta will be re-elected next year.

The party's Secretary General Nick Salat said the 2022 election was far away and it was naive for Mr Ruto to believe that he would automatically be president based on current political pacts and promises.

President Kenyatta and his deputy had entered a 2013 pre-election pact that guaranteed Ruto the Jubilee ticket in 2022.

"The Deputy President should understand the country's political history well. He should forget thinking that he will automatically be Kenya's president in 2022. That is a dream too far away to lecture people about," said Mr Salat.

While relating Ruto's dilemma with that of former vice presidents Joseph Murumbi and Jaramongi Oginga Odinga, Salat urged the deputy president to go slow and familiarise himself with past political events.

Murumbi served as the country's second vice-president between May and December 1966 while Oginga, Raila Odinga's father, served as Kenya's first vice-president and thereafter as opposition leader.

Speaking at Chemogoch AIC in Baringo County during a funds drive, Salat asked residents to reject divisive politics, saying those privileged to serve in the Government should avoid attempts to politicise development projects.

He said in 2007 the Kalenjin revolted against President Mwai Kibaki for injustices against the community's professionals following the exit of President Daniel arap Moi while the 2013 vote was to save Ruto and Uhuru from ICC jaws. He therefore called on the community to vote soberly in 2017 and elect someone who would work for them.

"You do not owe anyone a debt in 2017. Vote in leaders who can help you. The past two elections have not been about community but individuals," he said.

He added: "For real, nobody will hold a gun to your head and force you to vote for this or that party. This community paid all the political debts in 2013 and it's now over."

While defending former President Moi's development record, Salat challenged current leaders to follow his footsteps by putting adequate resources on establishment of schools, roads and churches.

"Moi promoted learning institutions and other sectors in the society and by doing so, displayed the perfect example for the rest of Kenyans to emulate," said the secretary general.

During the event, more than Sh1 million was raised with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi contributing Sh300,000 and Salat Sh200,000.