Friday's formal reunion of Deputy President William Ruto and Dr Boni Khalwale was a culmination of a process that started several months ago, it has been established.
During 2017 polls, Dr Khalwale played an indispensable role in Raila Odinga's campaign. But in October same year, after losing Kakamega gubernatorial seat to Wycliffe Oparanya, Khalwale met Ruto in undisclosed location.
At the meeting, the former Kakamega senator reconciled with Ruto, whom he had scolded a number of times, including calling him a thief, reports the Nation.
“He began by forgiving me for the verbal attacks and allegations I had unleashed on him during campaigns, noting that as a fellow politician, he understood better that I was only searching for votes. After exchanging niceties and discussing the campaigns, he then came to the main subject of our meeting — an offer of Cabinet position in the Jubilee administration,” Khalwale said in a past interview.
But owing to the fact that he had campaigned for Raila, he flatly rejected cabinet slot. He also rejected the offer of campaigning for Jubilee team in repeat presidential elections.
“I told the ‘hustler’ (DP) that having actively campaigned for Nasa, and in particular hit him hard with all manner of corruption allegations, I was not going to be useful to the Jubilee campaign at the moment as many in my western Kenya backyard would equally find it hard to believe me,” recalled Khalwale.
Even though he rejected the offer, Dr Ruto gave an indication that he would work with the flamboyant politician in future. He was categorical that the two should work together ahead of 2022 polls.
“Ni sawa, Daktari. Tutatembea barabara moja tu hivi karibuni kabla ya 2022,” (I understand, Dr Khalwale. No doubt we shall team up soon ahead of 2022).
On Friday, Dr Khalwale formally joined DP William Ruto's camp, months after hosting him in several functions across Western Kenya. He took the decision just few days after being summoned by Ford Kenya disciplinary committee.
“This time around we are doing it early so that we can have enough time to campaign for our man. My move is just part of a bigger political strategy for the DP’s 2022 presidential bid.”