At least six politicians from Mt. Kenya region have either publicly or privately expressed interest to deputise DP William Ruto in 2022, reports the Sunday Nation.
While Ruto is yet to make a formal decision with the matter, sources intimate that he may however be forced to pick a running mate from outside Central Kenya.
"While Deputy President William Ruto is our man in 2022, the choice of running mate should be left with people to choose," says Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria.
Among those josling for the lucrative position include Peter Munya, Kindiki Kithure, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Mwangi wa Iria, Ann Waiguru and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
But political analyst Gideon Mamboleo says the DP will face an acid test given that any choice from Central Kenya would spark rebellion from other communities.
"Central Kenya choice will not go down well from other communities and he may be forced to change the matrix, which will also spark rebellion in Central," he says.
Outside Central, Ruto has been courting former Western province with Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka being among the top choice for his matrix.