A Jubilee Member of Parliament has come out to explain why politicians in Central Kenya are allegedly giving Deputy President William Ruto a wide berth.
According to Nyeri Town legislator Ngunjiri Wambugu, politicians from President Uhuru Kenyatta's backyard are devising ways of avoiding the Jubilee deputy party leader.
Speaking to the Nation, Wambugu said increasing graft allegations that have been levelled against the DP was the main reason why most Central leaders were keeping off his functions.
“The DP is getting isolated because of the corruption issues facing him, ranging from illegal acquisition of land and claims he is a beneficiary of looted public funds,” Wambugu said.
When Ruto attended the 2019 Lenten Campaign Launch at the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri Cathedral on Saturday, only four MPs from Central Kenya were present.
They were all from Nyeri County and they included Wambugu, who was the host, and his counterparts Anthony Kiai (Mukurwe-ini), Gichuhi Mwangi (Tetu) and Mathira's Rigathi Gachagua.
The DP's previous meetings could be graced by more than 20 legislators who could all vow to back his 2022 presidential bid when given a chance to address the gatherings.
However, since President Kenyatta asked leaders to end succession politics, most of Ruto's allies and defenders from Mt Kenya have been conspicuously missing from his rallies.
They include Kanini Kega (Kieni) Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu), Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Murang'a Women Representative Sabina Chege and her Kiambu counterpart Gathoni Wa Muchomba.