As 2022 succession politics continue to take centre stage of our political landscape, it is not hard for anyone to notice the growing rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Chief Raila Odinga.
While DP Ruto has declared his interest to succeed the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022, Raila has held his cards close to his chest, perhaps waiting for the opportune moment to declare his bid.
However, the ODM leader has not just been sitting pretty waiting to get to the river to cross the bridge. He has too been moving across the country in the name of Building Bridges Initiative while ensuring he makes new political relationships ahead of 2022.
In less than a month, Raila has toured Central Kenya counties of Kiambu and Murang'a which has not gone unnoticed by DP Ruto and his allies.
On Wednesday, the DP toured Maragua Sub-County less than three days after Raila toured Gatanga in the same county. The same thing happened when Raila toured one of the Kiambu 12 sub-counties less than two weeks ago.
This, therefore, raises the question, why must DP Ruto follow Raila wherever he visits across Central Kenya with a clear aim of undoing whatever he left behind?
Well, it is only him who can tell the wisdom behind it but as many or some may observe, this is foolhardy. Ruto should, ought or must leave Raila to have his day with Central Kenya voters for the following reasons;
1. By following Raila, Ruto looks weak, paranoiac and doubtful of the region's support
It is only a paranoiac husband who keeps quarrelling his wife every time he spots her with another man and vice versa. Ruto's following of Raila across central region contradicts his own and allies' narrative that the region is solidly behind him.
2. He helps cement the narrative that he has always been against the handshake
Who knows, despite all the politics, Raila could be visiting the region with only one aim; to build bridges. As such, Ruto would be seen as a deterrent to national unity and one who wants ethnic politics to continue thriving.
3. He might or could be infuriating President Uhuru Kenyatta
Uhuru has consistently discouraged 2022 politicking at the moment asking elected leaders to focus on delivering on their campaign promises. When Ruto continues to do the opposite to make the matter worse at the president's backyard, what do you expect?
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