Deputy President William Ruto. He has expressed interest in the presidency come 2022. (Photo/thebigissue.co.ke)
The Deputy President William Ruto has reiterated that he is going to vie for presidency in the 2022 general elections. He seeks to take over from President Uhuru Kenyatta when his second term comes to an end.
During the formation of the Jubilee coalition in 2013, both President Kenyatta and his deputy Ruto agreed to support each other's presidential ambitions. This meant that the DP would become the flag-bearer of Jubilee party in the 2022 polls.
The DP however faces an uphill task in becoming the 5th president of the country.
There has been a narrative being propagated alluding that Ruto may not get the backing of President Kenyatta's backyard. This means that he (Ruto) may not get the support of Jubilee followers from Mount Kenya region.
In both 2013 and 2017 elections, the Jubilee party enjoyed massive support from Mount Kenya and Rift Valley regions. This support has ensured that Jubilee serves two terms under President Kenyatta.
The supporters of the DP thus feel that the Mount Kenya region owes him politically and should vote for him in 2022.
After the 2007 general election, the DP was, together with other five people, alleged to have been the perpetrators of the post-election violence witnessed at the time. He however was acquitted and decamped from Raila Odinga's ODM party and formed his own party, URP. This left a bitter taste on Odinga's followers who termed the move a betrayal. Ruto hence may get it tough convincing Raila's followers come 2022.
The DP also faces competition in Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, Baringo senator Gideon Moi and NASA principal Kalonzo Musyoka who have expressed interest in the presidential seat. The DP will be forced not to depend on the current Jubilee formation and instead forge new strong alliances and campaign vigorously for the top job.
The DP may also face strong competition within Jubilee party from future aspiring presidential candidates. This implies that he should convince his party members first for the party ticket before convincing the whole nation.Nonetheless, the next general elections are at least four years away and many political alliances will be formed with the strongest carrying the day.