Governors, MPs warn over opposing Ruto in 2022 presidential elections

URP leaders led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago (left) in Chepkigen, Kesses during a ceremony to welcome boys after circumcision. They drummed up support for Ruto's bid for presidency in 2022. [photo: Peter Ochieng/Standard]

Some Rift Valley governors and MPs have warned their Jubilee counterparts from Mt Kenya that they will form another party if there are no plans to support Deputy President William Ruto’s bid for the presidency in 2022.

Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and MPs James Bett (Kesses) and Elisha Busienei (Turbo) said they have a solid plan and an option to carry forward their political agenda in case a conflict arises in the newly formed Jubilee Party.

Mandago said they have put strategies in place such that if the Mt Kenya region does not back Ruto in 2022, they will have no option but to opt for another political vehicle before the elections.

Speaking in Chepkigen village, Kesses, during a ceremony to welcome boys after circumcision, Mandago said nothing will stop them from assuming power in 2022, adding that they have a plan B should their relationship with other parties hit a snag. “Many people are asking us what will happen if our partners do not vote for us in 2022 but we assure you that the DP is full of options. Who told you that we have exhausted all the trees in the forest? We can as well move on to construct another house before elections,” he said.

He observed that during the final discussions with their counterparts from Mt. Kenya, they will make it clear on their plan to receive support from them in order to assure Ruto’s win in 2022.

 SECOND TERM

Tolgos said all leaders allied to Jubilee are strategising on how to seek votes at the grassroots in favour of President Kenyatta in 2017, with the hope of receiving support in 2022 when Ruto runs for the top seat.

Busienei noted that they have agreed to fully support President Kenyatta for his second term, adding that the Jubilee vehicle is meant to bring an end to tribalism and conflicts among communities.

Bett said they are ready to educate the electorate on the importance of shifting to Jubilee Party ahead of polls.

Meanwhile, some leaders from North Rift have lauded the formation of the Jubilee Party, saying it is a political card that will ensure Ruto ascends to Presidency in 2022. Speaking at the home of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei in Kamonjil, Nandi County, they said the region had no option but to support the disbandment of URP to ‘cement a Ruto Presidency’.

 Julius Melly (Tindiret), Kirwa Bittok (Mosop), Cornelly Serem (Aldai), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei), Zipporah Kerring (Nandi Woman Rep), newly appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, Kipsang Belio (Education PS), Andrew Tuimur (Livestock PS), Felix Koskei (former Agriculture CS) and Davis Chirchir (former Petroleum CS) drummed up support for the Jubilee Party. “A unified party will cement a Ruto presidency, the region has to toe the line,” said Bittok.