At least eight politicians allied to DP William Ruto from Mt Kenya region have been dropped from wishful running mate list, it has emerged.
Dr Ruto is keen to have a running mate from the Mt Kenya region, which he believes will help him succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
While Ruto still has a number of loyal allies among them Ndindi Nyoro, Kimani Ichung'wah and Alice Wahome, most of those in wish list have either slowed down in Tanga Tanga activities, joined Kieleweke or are facing corruption charges.
Those who had earlier been identified and have since been dropped include: Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Tharaka Nithi senator Kindiki Kithure as possible running mates.
Others were former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.
In May this year, Ann Waiguru, who has since joined Kieleweke, confirmed that she had been approached by two leading candidates to be their running mate.
“I have at least two offers for the deputy president position, but it is not the right time to name the parties,” she said in an exclusive interview with the Nation.
“I see my role as making sure the 10 counties that make up the Mt Kenya region get their rightful place in the next government. We do not want a boardroom appointee to lead the region, but rather a person who is the choice of the people,” she said.
Waititu is facing corruption charges while Mwangi Kiunjuri is keen to run as president. Kithure is said to be commanding little following while Kiraitu is keen to defend Meru gubernatorial seat.