[Ababu Namwamba in a past event. The Sunday Nation says he is among those considered to be top choices for Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 running mate. Photo/Standard]
Deputy President William Ruto is keen to have Ex-Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba as his potential running mate in 2022 elections, reports the Sunday Nation.
A spirited Ruto is busy making political alliances with former Western province being his manin target.
"He is eating into NASA leaning zones and Ababu Namwamba seems to be his top choice for running mate," the paper says.
Also among his list of choice is Wycliffee Oparanya, Paul Otuoma and Eugene Wamalwa but the Kakamega County boss has persistently denied the claims.
With Namwamba out in could, Ruto will however have to ensure he is among those considered for Cabinet Secretary posts according to Gideon Mamboleo.
"Namwamba is not a bad choice but for him to be relevant, Ruto will have to secure him a job in cabinet," he says.
Further, Mamboleo says, Namwamba's choice will not go unchallenged given that Central Kenya is keen to produce a running mate.
"He will however have to deal with a possible rebellion from Central region. They may be planning for a deputy lot."
The former ODM Secretary General was instrumental in President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory in repeat polls.