Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has waded into the 2022 succession politics, sending a chilling warning to Deputy President William Ruto.
Moi, the KANU chairman, said Ruto should not expect to automatically take over power from President Uhuru Kenyatta just because he is his deputy.
"Tunaomba kumwambia naibu wa rais kuwa kutangulia sio kufika (We want to tell the DP that being ahead does not mean that you have arrived at your destination)," he said.
Speaking at Kipsaraman in Baringo North constituency over the weekend, Moi declared his interest to succeed Uhuru and warned Ruto to prepare for a fierce contest in the race to State House.
"I will be on the presidential ballot in 2022, and my political opponents should brace for a tough battle. I am not cowed, and I am not ready to shelve my political ambitions," the Senator said.
The KANU boss exuded confidence in winning the presidency and dismissed criticism that he was unfit for the top seat as DP allies have been claiming.
"I don't understand why some people think I am a novice in politics. I have come of age and am equal to the task, so I will vie for the presidency. Some people started calling me names and trying to discourage me before I even announced my ambition," he said, as quoted by Nation.
Moi spoke during a burial of Daniel Kipkebut, who was the father of his Personal Assistant Peter Chelang'a.