President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated his earlier statement of throwing his weight behind Deputy President William Ruto in 2022.
In a statement released on Tuesday by State House Senior Director of Public Communications Munyori Buku, Kenyatta said that the projects initiated by the Jubilee government require 20 years to be fully implemented, thus the need to ensure Ruto holds the seat, as he has been a key element in the agenda.
He cited several projects such as infrastructure, energy generation and distribution, quality education, modernising agriculture, industralisation, among others.
“The DP has been a key part of that agenda. It is therefore crucial that he be the one to take the agenda forward,” read the statement in part.
President Kenyatta further said that the DP is doing an excellent job and has proven his abilities, acumen and diligence as a leader.
“Those haranguing the country over the 2022 election are wasting their time. The reaction of Jubilee supporters and many other Kenyans has been absolutely clear in their support for the deputy president.”
Early this month, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo told the DP that he was not assured of the Mt Kenya vote.
The governor said the region would have to deliberate on who to support for the country's top seat come 2022.
"Even if we promised someone a seat, we will have to sit down and talk. We will not just give away the seat like that. If you think because we agreed it will go like that... We have the votes and therefore have to be respected," said Kabogo.
On Monday, Nominated Senator Paul Njoroge cautioned the DP against early campaigns, saying the country can not hold concurrent campaigns for two elections.
“What is happening now is that the Deputy President is working very hard for the campaigns of 2022. I do not understand why we need to go into that mood when we are in the mood for 2017 elections.”