Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has told off a section of politicians dismissing Deputy President (DP) William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
Kibwana said the DP was a political heavyweight and warned that those underestimating him would be in for a rude shock.
Speaking in Turkana County during an annual cultural fete, Tubong’u Lore, the governor reiterated that he was in the race for the State House, noting that he was counting the DP as a strong and worthy competitor.
“Those who take you for granted and think that you do not matter are very wrong. Yes. They are very wrong, and I can say that boldly because I am a constitutional, political analyst and a politician for that matter. I know your capability,” he said on Thursday as quoted by Capital News.
Ruto's presidential ambition has been under attack from some politicians who have vowed to stop him from succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta, and others claiming he can't win the contest without their support.
“My election victory has been stolen since 2007 and I would like to tell the Deputy President William Ruto that he will not ascend to the presidency without my political support,” said ODM party leader Raila Odinga last year.
Others such as former Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli have said the DP's bid will remain a pipe dream, adding he should stop wasting time campaigning.
"I assure you that after the election, Mr Hassan Joho will be in the list of those to form the new government that will provide five key slots. In the list however, you won’t see any one by the name of William Ruto taking any position, be it President, Deputy President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister [or any other]. The only people you will see are those standing for justice," Atwoli said during a function in Lamu County in April.