Nasa principal Isaac Ruto. [Photo/zipo.co.ke]
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto claims that he had been picked to be the National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential flag-bearer.
The Chama Cha Mashinani leader said he declined the offer, leaving it to ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto joined Nasa as the fifth principal.
He made the claims on Sunday at Ngesumin in Bureti sub county in Kericho where he endorsed aspirants who won various tickets in his CCM party nominations.
He said his importance in Rift Valley politics has been felt by other Nasa principals who had had picked him to be the presidential flag-bearer.
He, however, said he turned down the offer because he was not ready.
“I went to negotiate with my fellows in Nairobi. It was a hard bargain, for everyone wanted the top seat. I also wanted it. At one point, I won the support of the others who thought that if I was picked, we would be assured of 90 per cent of the Rift Valley votes plus others,” Ruto said, as reported by The Nation.
The governor, who fell out with Jubilee, said he thought it wise to let the eldest in Nasa (Raila) to carry the opposition’s flag.
Raila was later unveiled as the Nasa presidential candidate at Uhuru Park and Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper his running mate.