Deputy William Ruto breaks down during a past meeting[Photo/Trendinginkenya.com]
Thanks to the Constitution, Deputy William Ruto’s 2022 presidency bid is as dead as a doornail. The Constitution’s allowance of independent candidate to run for office minus party allegiance has resurrected Peter Kenneth's political career which a few weeks ago seemed dead and buried.
Likewise, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo who had been thrashed in the party primaries by Waititu is also back in the race as an independent. Reports suggest that the deputy is behind Kabogo's woes having been in charge of managing the primaries. It’s believed that Kabogo was rigged out as the primaries were marred with many irregularities.
The Deputy President plan was to send the two, Kabogo and Kenneth to political oblivion. With neither of them politically active it would have given him a head start come 2022. Unlucky for him the two have been able to resurrect their political careers with Kabogo likely to retain his seat.
For Kenneth, it’s an uphill task as edging out both incumbent Governor Kidero and Senator Sonko will require much more effort. Both Kenneth and Kabogo have been fronted as possible successors of the President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Two have joined hands to fight as independents in their respective races, which many have suggest could bring them much closer. If the two start working together, then it’s clear that Deputy Ruto's goose is cocked.
In his Rift Valley backyard, there have been undertones that he is a bully which has led to a revolt from some of his lieutenants including Governor Isaac Ruto, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Nandi Mp Alfred Keter. If Isaac Ruto manages to convince a big chunk of South Rift to vote for Nasa then this will be a big blow to the deputy who’s down fall will be imminent.
Moreover, the deputy has to be in government henceforth up to 2022 to stand a chance of being elected. This means the jubilee administration has to retain power come August with all means otherwise the deal will be off for the deputy. If Uhuru becomes a one term president, the probability of him and his Mt. Kenya block supporting Ruto come 2022 is very minimal.