A dodgy President Uhuru Kenyatta refused to be dragged to vicious succession battle even as he visited Deputy President William Ruto's Kapsabet stronghold last weekend.
A section of local leaders led by Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and Samson Cherargei (Nandi), seemed to push Uhuru to openly declare his support for Ruto ahead of 2022.
"Your excellency, we have stood with you and there is no offense in asking for your support. We have to finish what we started," Cherargei said.
The calls came at the time Uhiru relationship with Raila Odinga had blossomed subsequently causing jitters within Rift Valley and parts of Central Kenya.
But Uhuru, who had previously warned leaders against 2022 debate, seemed to dodge the debate, only emphasizing need to deliver for people.
"Let those in media write whatever they want. We must first serve the people and deliver. Other things will come later," the president noted.
His tone, notes Gideon Mamboleo, was an indirect communication to the DP that he's not ready to be pushed around.
"The president's tone simply meant that he can't be pushed around. He is not interested in calls to back Ruto," he says.
Before 2017 polls, Uhuru often reminded his audience that he would hand over the button to Ruto, a narrative which has since changed.
At Bomet a day later, seven MPs allied to Ruto's camp walked out of the president's event after State House excluded them from the programme.
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