Deputy President William Ruto presents Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua with the Water Ambassador award during the first Kenya water week event held at the KICC, November 24, 2016. PHOTO: DPPS.
She recently shocked many after announcing her support for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid.
Since the declaration, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has accompanied Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto to a number of political rallies.
The most recent was a Jubilee rally staged at the Kihoto Grounds in Naivasha on March 24 and Bomet on April 1.
The debate on who will be DP Ruto’s running mate come 2022 has attracted several comments from political players.
“We are together (with Uhuru and Ruto), I will not backslide. This is the winning team. Even in 2022, we will work with the Deputy President (Ruto),” Karua said in Bomet on Saturday.
Karua’s recent actions and declaring support for Jubilee after flirting with the Opposition has fuelled speculations that she could be eyeing to deputise Ruto come 2022.
Karua with Ruto during a Jubilee rally in Naivasha on March 24, 2017. Photo: the-star.co.ke
The former Justice Minister is vying for Kirinyaga governor post, and will face former Devolution Cabinet secretary Ann Waiguru, who is running on a Jubilee Party ticket.
Ruto has said he will vie for the presidency in five years’ time.
Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is also believed to be interested in the deputy president seat in 2022.
About a fortnight ago, Kiharu Member of Parliament Irungu Kang’ata said Peter Kenneth can make a good running mate to Deputy President William Ruto come 2022.
“Right after President Uhuru Kenyatta, we shall support Ruto for the presidency and Kenneth as his deputy, which is already a concluded matter,” said Kang’ata.
Kenneth has launched his bid to unseat Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in August polls.
Others likely to be DP Ruto’s running mate are Senator Kithure Kindiki, Kiraitu Murungi and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
However, some people argue that the Mt Kenya region will not vote for Ruto come 2022, despite the UhuRuto agreement.
In the run up to 2013 polls, Uhuru and Ruto agreed that Mt Kenya region leaders will back Ruto in 2022 for the presidency after Uhuru completes his two terms as President.