Political analyst Herman Manyora has predicted tough times ahead for Deputy President William Ruto, in his bid to capture the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2022 general elections.
The DP has lately been making unending trips to the region, in what has been seen as an attempt to woo the voters and rally him behind his presidential bid in the much-awaited polls.
But the commentator says that the push will face a serious hurdle from former Members of Parliament from the region, who will give it their all to ensure that Ruto's strategy flops.
According to the professor, the group is still bitter with the DP for allegedly engineering their losses in the 2017 Jubilee Party primaries, and will do anything within their power to revenge.
"Many of them are bitter and have never forgiven Ruto for rigging them out of the Jubilee nominations. They are positioning themselves to teach him a lesson," he said on Friday.
Former MPs who have openly denounced the DP include former Mukurweini MP Kabando Wa Kabando, Kembi Gitura (Muranga Senator) and Jamleck Kamau (Maragua).
Others include George Nyanja (Limuru), Muriiki Karue (Nyandarua Senator) and Joseph Gitari (Imenti Central), who have also declared their opposition to his presidential bid.
But the group will have to outdo the other one comprising of current MPs, majority of whom have been endorsing the DP and pressuring President Uhuru Kenyatta to do the same.
These include Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Alice Wahome (Kandara)and Gatundu South legislator Moses Kuria.