More leaders drawn from Deputy President William Ruto's Rift Valley backyard have come out guns blazing against a recent declaration by Jubilee vice Chair David Murathe.
Speaking in Vihiga County on Wednesday, Murathe poked holes into Ruto's presidential ambitions, saying he should retire alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
The remark has since attracted attacks from Ruto's allies with the latest shots coming from the Rift Valley pentagon, Nelson Koech (Belgut), Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Kiptergech Mutai (Bureti), Dominic Koskei of Sotik and Robert Tonui (Bomet Central).
The leaders said Murathe has no grounds to make any declaration on behalf of the party, claiming that he does not hold any position in the ruling bloc.
“Murathe cannot purport to speak for anyone as the term for the interim Jubilee party officials ended on December 2017. He has not been elected by anyone and is therefore an imposter in the party leadership," Tonui told the Nation.
This follows similar shots initially by Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet senators Samson Cherargei and Kipchumba Murkomen who have also taken issues with the remarks.
Murathe also hinted that Jubilee and Central Kenya leaders might endorse a candidate from Western Kenya contrary to initial declaration that they would automatically support Ruto in 2022.