The political arena is not for the faint-hearted. Deputy President William Ruto has demonstrated over time that he is not one of those jokers who you would easily push aside. No, he is there to make a name for himself and leave a mark come 2022.
There have been numerous things thrown on his way. He has never acknowledged them but his fervent supporters have. There has been the corruption purge where his supporters claimed he was being targeted, the handshake and now BBI.
With all these, DP Ruto has always emerged on the other side, if indeed he is or was the target. He is now a formidable political force, packaging himself as a hustler even though he is far from it. It is his strategy of endearing himself to the Wanjiku’s which seems to be working for him.
As the race for 2022 draws closer, there are key decisions that DP Ruto must make, which may either build him or destroy him.
These are:
The running mate
DP Ruto has made forays in every conceivable place, going as far as Uganda. With the uncertainty of BBI hanging in the air, he must, however, make a careful choice on who will deputise him. It must be a man or woman with influence in their area of residence. Without that support, the battle may be half lost come 2022.
BBI report
The key defining moment in our politics now is the BBI report. The calls for a referendum will surely change the direction of our politics. DP Ruto must carefully study the intentions of the people behind BBI and find a suitable way the shall lead him to the coveted seat.
His relationship with Uhuru Kenyatta
Prior to the 2017 general elections – and even 2013 - president Kenyatta succinctly spoke of his support for his deputy William Ruto. However, he has become mum on the subject once he secured his second and final term. Consequently, DP Ruto must thread carefully to avoid stepping on President Uhuru’s toes for that may affect his ambitions of succeeding him.
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