As political leaders are setting their eyes towards the 2017 elections, self-proclaimed hustler, Deputy President William Ruto has set his towards the 2022 elections.
Many have already assumed that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy will have an easy go come next year and 5 years later Ruto will be in office as president. But this may not happen without considerable strategy and sweat.
Most of the DP allies have said that Ruto is determined to establish a powerful and far-flung network that will propel him to power without depending on Central Kenya.
The DP is transversing the country, holding expensive fundraisers which are not set to end anytime soon. He also addresses rallies wooing leaders while forging allegiances and making promises.
Last week while touring the Coastal region, Ruto was as candid as possible stating clearly that he was not only visiting the region on official duty but also to campaign for 2017 and 2022 elections.
“Although we come from different political affiliations when the time comes, I am sure you will support my candidature,” Ruto said.
Ruto's ally has further revealed that the DP's immediate goal is to achieve immense command and authority in the Jubilee Alliance Party by winning the allegiance of many governors and MPs.
“This is about pre-election concessions," a Ruto ally told The Star.
"The DP wants to ensure he has massive support across the length and breadth of this country so after the polls he will have national appeal to launch his 2022 presidential bid,” he added.
The DP also has plans to gain support from 20 counties and 120 MPs across the country. Among the counties, he is targeting include all 14 in his Rift valley backyard, Nairobi, Machakos, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kisii.
In spite of declaring his support for Uhuru's reelection, Ruto also plans to elevate his political dynasty by meeting opinion leaders from both Cord and Jubilee strongholds.
And in a bid to make the plans more successful, Ruto is also identifying point men to run for Governor, Senator, and MPs. The plan is an assumption that the allied political leaders will propagate his presidential bid.
Currently, Ruto's allies Legal adviser Anania Mwaboza and former CS Kazungu Kambi have already declared their interest in running for Mombasa and Kilifi gubernatorial bid respectively.