Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo on Monday met Deputy President William Ruto in Karen, igniting speculation of a possible 2022 unity.
The Kiambu politician posted a photo of him and Ruto on Twitter, with the caption “I “tangatangad” Karen to see my good friend the DP.”
This seems to be a change of tune as Kabogo has in the past been a fierce critic of the DP.
In June 2017, Kabogo renewed his rivalry with Ruto, stating that the DP should not expect automatic support from Mt Kenya region in his bid to succeed Uhuru Kenyatta as president in 2022.
Kabogo also blamed Ruto for his loss in the Jubilee primaries in the run-up to the August 8 polls, claiming that the move was meant to silence him.
He went ahead to defend the seat as an independent candidate but lost to Jubilee candidate Ferdinand Waititu.
“I’m not being fought because of you (Kiambu people), but by those who want seats in 2022, but I will face them head-on and I’m not keeping quiet this time round. I’ve made a similar stand before when I said we will not give this person (Ruto) the seat just like that and I’m saying it again. We will not support him unless we see development,” said Kabogo, as quoted by the Nation on June 28, 2017.
Though the two did not reveal the agenda of the Monday meeting, it is speculated that Kabogo might be fronted as Ruto’s deputy in the 2022 elections.
Top politicians in the country have in recent days vowed to put aside their political differences and focus on development, following the historic handshake between President Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga.