President Uhuru Kenyatta should not bank on his deputy William Ruto for the 2017 re-election bid, observes political pundit Gideon Mamboleo.
This remark comes weeks after powerful people from Uhuru’s backyard notably Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and nominated Senator Paul Njoroge openly told the DP that he is not guaranteed of Mt. Kenya votes in his 2022 presidential bid.
And now the communication and political science lecturer wants Uhuru to have a plan B should Ruto ditch him ahead of the 2017 polls.
“Politics is a dirty game and there is no permanent enmity. The President should not bank on Ruto that much because anything is possible,” he said.
“High profile leaders from central have been making reckless comments about Ruto and this may not go well with him. He may reconsider his position by supporting a different candidate or going for presidency. He is a go-getter and I can prove that since our days at the university,” Mamboleo said.
He said Mr Ruto’s experience in politics should not be underrated and warned Uhuru against relaxing and waiting for the DP’s support in 2017.
“Ruto has exceptional experience in politics and when he learns signs of being dumped, I am sure he can’t wait for that to happen. The President should consider alternatives for emergency or tame his central Kenya friends from undermining the DP’s 2022 plan,” he said.