Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has waded into the 2022 succession politics by declaring his preferred presidential candidate.
Lenku's pronouncement comes at a time President Uhuru Kenyatta and his foe-turned-ally ODM leader Raila Odinga have been warning politicians against engaging in talks over the next general election at the expense of delivering on their pledges.
But speaking during a burial ceremony on Saturday, the county boss ignored the warning and announced that he will throw his weight behind Deputy President William Ruto.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also vowed to campaign for the DP in the entire Maasai land to ensure he becomes Kenya's fifth Head of State.
"Some are telling me to forget about the succession debate but let me say today that I will rally the Maasai community to support Dr Ruto so he can win the 2022 elections," Lenku stated, as quoted by Nation.
He spoke when he accompanied the DP during the burial of senior chief Samuel Soitanae Ole Koriata in Narok South Constituency.
Speaking at the same event, Narok West MP Gebriel Tongoyo termed the Jubilee Party deputy party leader as a friend and pledged to back his bid.
"When a warrior is set for combat, he always asks a friend to give a spear, bows and arrows or any weapon for the fight," Tongoyo said.