Elders from the Rift Valley have waded into the succession politics saying President Uhuru Kenyatta must support Deputy President William Ruto in 2022.
The elders said Uhuru entered into a pre-election deal with Ruto in 2013 where it was agreed that the President would back his deputy to succeed him after serving for two terms, insisting that that pact must be respected and protected.
Kalenjin Myoot Council of Elders chairman John Seei on Wednesday said all Jubilee leaders, including Uhuru who is the party leader, should rally behind Ruto's bid to State House.
"It goes without saying that in 2013, Myoot elders agreed to support Uhuru Kenyatta and in return, he should back Mr Ruto when it comes to his quest for the presidency," he said, as quoted by Nation.
James Lukwo, the chairperson of another group known as Kalenjin Council of Elders, said voters in Uhuru's backyard owes a political debt to Ruto which must be honoured in the next election.
"As a community, we are certain that our counterparts from Central Kenya owe us politically, having supported one of their own in the last two elections. It is time they pay back by backing our son to be the next president," Lukwo said.
The increasing pressure being mounted on Mt Kenya to throw its weight behind the DP's presidential bid is likely to cause more tension in Jubilee as some politicians from the region have maintained they owe no debt to Ruto.
The Kikuyu Council of Elders recently said it was not automatic for Central Kenya to back Ruto and asked him to retire alongside his boss.
"As a Council we are very serious that Ruto has to pack with Uhuru. If Uhuru has to leave in 2022, his deputy should also leave," said Peter Munga, the council’s national Secretary General.