Just a few days after Kiambu Governor William Kabogo told Ruto that he should not assume that the support from Central Kenya was guaranteed, Raila Odinga's overtures have opted to exploit concerns in Ruto’s Rift Valley base in pursuit of new allegiances.
Raila said since it was unlikely that someone from the community would challenge Uhuru, the Kalenjin commuty should support him in 2017 and he would reciprocate the gesture in 2022 by serving only one term then support Ruto’s presidential bid.
Last week, former Sotik MP Anthony Kimetto said Ruto should plan wisely if he is convinced he will not be supported by Central Kenya.
“While we are sticking to our current friend, we should reach out to others too, including Raila and his community so that we can be assured of victory,” Kimetto added.
Bomet County ODM chairman Ronald Ng’eny said the Kalenjin community should learn from the past voting trends.
“Raila supported retired President Kibaki with the hope that he would return the favour, but it was not to be. Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka had the same fate. What assurance do we have that Ruto will escape the same fate?” said Ng’eny during the Ndanai church fundraiser.
However, some Ruto allies did not welcome Cord’s idea, with National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso telling Raila that Jubilee has its own lineup until 2032.