Succession debate continues to take centre stage as politicians across the divide eye for various top seats in the much anticipated 2022 general elections.
The presidential election is of much focus as political heavyweights battle to get endorsement and support.
Deputy President William Ruto, former Vice President (VP) Kalonzo Musyoka, Governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria are some of the top politicians who have so far declared interest in the 2022 presidential election.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is serving his last term in office and he is expected to endorse DP Ruto as per the alleged agreement the two had in 2013.
A section of politicians from Mt Kenya, however, say that it will not be automatic for them to endorse Ruto’s candidature in 2022.
The politicians argue that Ruto has to work for the votes and some have even been quoted saying it is too early for the president to quit politics.
DP Ruto remains the person of focus as the 2022 polls near and he is likely to be on the ballot whether on Jubilee ticket or not.
As the DP lobbies and strategies for 2022 general election, here are four regions that he is likely to garner massive votes;
1. North Rift
Deputy President Ruto is more popular in North Rift counties of Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans-Nzoia.
He is likely to get the majority of votes from the North in 2022 polls.
2. South Rift
Despite the growing rebellion from a section of politicians in South Rift, the Deputy President still enjoys support in the region and is likely to get more votes in Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Narok and Samburu counties.
3. North Eastern region
The DP has political influence in North Eastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, Mandera and Isiolo. With guaranteed support from the likes of Garissa MP Aden Duale, Ruto is assured of North Eastern region's massive votes in 2022.
4. Western region
Ruto's chances of getting overwhelming votes in the Western region are high. For the past years, he has been making inroads in Kakamega, Bungoma and Vihiga counties.
With the likes of former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka on his side, DP Ruto can be assured of massive support in Western Kenya in 2022.
The second in command's chances of winning the presidential election in 2022 can be increased by the support he is likely to get in swing vote regions like Nairobi, Nakuru, Mt Kenya and the Coast.
#hivisasaoriginal