Why Ruto allies must stop misleading Kenyans on polls

A few days ago, ODM leader Raila Odinga told Deputy President William Ruto that he (the DP) would not succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta when his term ends in 2022. His sentiments were echoed by Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, who attended separate events on the same day. The trio spoke in the wake of the impression created by the DP’s alliesthat he would be Uhuru’s automatic successor in 2022.

This narrative started to gain momentum after the handshake between President Kenyatta and Raila. Though the two leaders have maintained that the unity deal has nothing to do with succession politics, their allies have continued to treat their assertions with suspicious and mistrust. It is worth noting Uhuru and Raila agreed to work together for the sake of peace, unity and development.