There was drama in Meru on Sunday, as area leaders openly engaged in politicking despite Deputy President (DP) William Ruto's attempts to stop them.
The group, led by North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, proceeded to endorse the DP's 2022 presidential bid, even as he attempted to shut them down.
Some of them referred to the DP as "Mheshimiwa Rais" (the president), only to later apologize, terming it a slip of the tongue, but claimed that it was a prediction of his presidency.
"Besides being a politician, I am also a pastor in the AIPCA Church. My tongue has slipped and called you president. I assure you that it is not a slip of the tongue but a prophesy and a sign that angels are backing you,” said Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima.
Also present were East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Mpuru Aburi, Halima Mucheke (nominated) and a number of area Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
The group urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to come clear on his 2013 and 2017 vow to back the DP as his successor, a promise he has been silent on since his 2017 reelection.
In his speech, the DP called for calm among politicians obsessed with the 2022 debate, further urging the political class to not pay too much attention to the ongoing referendum calls.
He stressed on the need for politicians to concentrate on uniting Kenyans and development-based initiatives.
"We want to end politics of division and hatred to unite Kenyans and focus on development. I want all Jubilee leaders not to veer off from that agenda. The debate about 2022, and the referendum should not overshadow development,” he said.
Ruto was speaking at the EAPC Meru Central Church in Imenti North.