A section of politicians allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta has fired back at Deputy President William Ruto, in what appears like more trouble within the ruling Jubilee Party.
Led by nominated MP Maina Kamanda, the group bashed DP Ruto over his implication in many corruption scandals, threatening to isolate him in the party ahead of the 2022 polls.
Kamanda also reminded the DP that he is not guaranteed of the Central Kenya vote, and might find himself all alone if he continues harassing Mt Kenya leaders to back him in return.
“You cannot tell which party we will support in 2022 because if our party is branded a party of thieves, we will move out,” the former MP was quoted by the Standard.
Kamanda was speaking when he led 10 MPs and other former leaders in Machakos, at a time when Ruto has maintained that the corruption purge is being used to settle political scores.
Kangema MP Muturi Kigano on his part urged President Kenyatta to go ahead with the push to crush his deputy if he dares stand in his way, adding that the head of state doesn't need Ruto's support anyway.
"He has Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka to support him,” said the MP, noting that the president can now proceed to do what he thinks is best for the country without fear of being barred.
Other leaders present included nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura, former Dagoretti North MP Dennis Waweru, Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri) and Paul Koinange (Kiambaa).
But Ruto's side has repeatedly condemned the anti-graft war, saying that it is being used to specifically target him with an aim of paralyzing his 2022 presidential ambitions.
The confusion also comes amid a reported widening rift between Uhuru and the DP, as both have been heard firing veiled attacks at each other lately.