Deputy President William Ruto is not entirely dependent on the Mt Kenya vote in his pending presidential bid for the 2022 general elections, it has emerged.
Lately, the DP has been seen to have a great interest in the populous Mt Kenya region, which is currently considered a bedrock of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
But sources close to him now point at a man aware of a possible rejection in the area, and who is not taking any chances to ensure that his bid is realized anyway.
The Star reports that the DP is, therefore, seeking to work with other politicians, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and ANC's Musalia Mudavadi, with an eye on their backyards.
"The Deputy President is ready and willing to work with leaders from across the country, not just Kalonzo or Musalia. We believe in working with other like-minded leaders,” said Soy MP Caleb Kositany, a close ally of the DP.
The paper reports that the DP is of the idea that with a great backing behind him, he will stand a chance even in the instance that Mt Kenya reduces to come on board.
Political analyst Javas Bigambo says that the DP is right to assemble alternative troops, as depending on Mt Kenya alone could prove to be a mistake in case the region turns against him.
"The DP knows that he cannot assume Mt Kenya will naturally support him. That is why he is keen on being his own man,” he told the paper on Monday.