The former adviser to opposition leader Raila Odinga and ex-aide to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss Salim Lone has made a special observation of Deputy President William Ruto.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Lone described the Deputy Head of State as the cleverest politician in the Kenyan political landscape courtesy of his resilience.
He praised Ruto for his ability to overcome the March 9 truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila who is considered his (Ruto) biggest political nemesis currently.
He lauded Ruto's ability to survive the reconciliation, which to many was a mega blow on his 2022 presidential bid, as most Kenyans observed that Raila's entry could deny Ruto Uhuru's endorsement.
He added that Ruto's lineup as he seeks to fight over the Coast from Odinga's side ahead of the race is another demonstration of his political brightness.
"Handshake lulled many into believing Ruto 2022 was finished. Untrue. Ruto just about Kenya's cleverest, most organised leader. Look at this line-up and Coast recently. Mega corruption not a handicap but essential strength in our system," he was quoted by the Standard Digital.
He also reacted to a report that over 15 leaders drawn from the Luhya community have since thrown their weight behind Ruto's candidature.
According to Lone, the same is a plus as the nation seeks to drift away from the tribal mode of politicking.
“Yes, Luhyas have had great leaders - like 42 of our other nations which have not provided a president. Nor did Kikuyu, Kalenjin leaders like Kaggia, JM, Seroney succeed. We must work harder, make progressive cross-national alliances. It’s possible to win even in this mess," he is further quoted.
Ruto is likely to vie on the ruling Jubilee Party ticket.