Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has weighed in as the ruling Jubilee Party remains divided, following Vice Party Chair David Murathe's recent remarks.
Speaking in Vihiga on Wednesday, Murathe urged Ruto to retire alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022, terming his presidential bid unrealistic.
He said that the party will not support the DP in the event that Ruto proceeds and insists on vying for the top seat.
The remark has culminated in a faceoff between Murathe and Ruto's allies, some of whom have claimed that he is not a party official and has no authority to speak on its behalf.
In a statement to newsrooms on Saturday, Waiguru called for speedy party elections to eliminate such confusions and to ensure that only official information is given out.
“It is imperative and in order that Jubilee holds party elections, as soon as possible, to forestall internal divisions and ensure statements are made by elected party officials, and that they, in fact, represent the views of the Jubilee Party as a whole,” she was quoted by the Nation.
"Jubilee needs leadership that has a legitimate mandate and the people’s support," she added, making it clear that the suggestion is her personal opinion and not the party's.
Murathe was speaking at the Maragoli Cultural Festival.
The event that was also attended by a host of Western Kenya leaders led by Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi.
He said that Ruto is not assured of the backing of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Central Kenya bedrock.
Murathe claimed that the party is considering supporting a candidate from the region, on the condition that Western Kenya leaders unite.
He was accompanied by former Mukurweini lawmaker Kabando Wa Kabando.