A section of Coast leaders on Wednesday laughed off threats of being punished for backing Deputy President William Ruto’s bid for the presidency in 2022.
Led by Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori, also Coast Parliamentary Group chairman, the leaders said that they have options when it comes to backing any candidate when that time comes.
Speaking during the World Environment Day event at Baraza Park in Kwale, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and Dori, said that they can back a candidate of their choice.
“Mr Sifuna is just being a busybody. He should let us do our work. We cannot be muzzled by party resolutions. Mr Ruto is part of the building bridges initiative and will continue featuring in our conversations,” said Mr Baya.
In a statement released by ODM party’s secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, the political outfit warned its members against backing Ruto to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“It is shocking indeed that some of those engaged in these premature campaigns for Ruto are members of the Party’s NEC who are expected to abide by its decisions,” Mr Sifuna said in a statement.
During his recent tour at the Coast, Raila Amolo Odinga hinted at backing Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho for the nation’s top seat.