Deputy President William Ruto. [Photo/File]
Plans are underway to pick the running mate to Deputy president William Ruto 2022 race to State House.
However, a big battle to ensure Mt Kenya region still remains relevant after 2022 is on despite the fact that leaders from the region vowed to support DP Ruto's bid but they still face stiff competition from without and within.
For instance, an MP from Western Kenya was heard saying it is time for mount Kenya to sit out in 2022 and give other regions a chance to enhance national cohesion. A group led by former Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba is already negotiating for a higher office for the Mulembe community.
There are also fears from the Mt Kenya team that Ruto is also keen to have a running mate outside their region a move that President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly supports.
The Star has established that secret meetings have been held to ensure Uhuru alone does not influence the selection of his running mate in 2022.
In a recent meeting, a vocal Nyeri county MP suggested Jubilee amend the law to require a primary election for a running mate.
However, there is a lot of sibling rivalry experienced among the Mt Kenya leaders.
The first group Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga bloc believes Senator Kithure Kindiki or Governor Ann Waiguru can make the best deputy for Ruto owing to their boldness and proven campaign tactics and support base respectively.
The second group is the Kiambu and Murang’a bloc which has fronted former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau and former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth as the best candidates.
Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Nakuru forms the third bloc that feels Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri is the best place for the post.