Deputy President William Ruto with Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto at a past function. PHOTO: standardmedia.co.keBefore the official launch of the National Super Alliance (NASA), Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto signaled teaming up with the opposition ahead of the August general election.
The Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader has been a strong critic of the Jubilee administration, despite being a close ally to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto before the 2013 polls.
About a month ago, Governor Ruto stated that he had no preferred presidential candidate.
However, sources close to the CCM leader say he is keen to join NASA, which is yet to settle on a presidential flag bearer.
ODM’s Raila Odinga, ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya) are all gunning for the NASA ticket.
It is understood that Ruto is closer to joining the opposition coalition, but the Kipsigis elders, led by their chairman Isaiah Cheluget, want him to first reach out to Uhuru before making any decision.
NASA co-principal Raila odinga with CCM leader Isaac Ruto. Photo standardmedia.co.ke
Cheluget, according to The Standard, feels abandoning Uhuru will be a wrong idea for Ruto.
Reliable sources say Governor Ruto has been mandated to engage both Jubilee and NASA, in a bid to create a pre-election pact.
The Myoot Council of Elders Kipsigis Chapter and grassroot leaders from the South Rift counties – Bomet, Narok, Nakuru and Kericho – have given the CMM leader the go ahead to talk to the opposing camps.
The chances of Ruto joining NASA are higher than joining Jubilee, owing to the fact that the ruling party has already formed a clear line-up ahead of August elections.
He has been pupularising his party in the larger Rift Valley, with some telling DP Ruto not to ignore the governor’s recent influence in the valley.
Last week Monday, ANC deputy party leader Kipruto Kirwa during a meeting indicated NASA was keen to work with Ruto’s CCM.
“I want to make it clear that NASA is keen on clinching the support of residents of the South Rift region. We are aware of the high number of voters in the region, which, despite having supported Jubilee in the last elections, has been sidelined in development,” he said, as quoted by The Standard.
Kirwa, a key leader in NASA outfit, said they will begin talks with CCM and will back its Nakuru governor post candidate.
Do you think Governor Ruto will join NASA?