Deputy President William Ruto is considering challenging President Uhuru Kenyatta for the presidency in 2017.
MPs from Ruto’s URP and his close confidants have told the Star the DP is actively contemplating a bid because he is not guaranteed of TNA support in 2022.
The plan, according to multiple sources, is for Ruto to vie along with ODM secretary general Ababu Namwamba as his running mate. Should their audacious bid encounter headwinds, the two would abandon it and throw their support to Cord leader Raila Odinga.
Until a few months ago it had been accepted that President Uhuru would serve for two terms, then Ruto would take other in 2022 for another two terms. The agreement to that effect appears to be swiftly unravelling.
Two weeks ago at a rally, Ruto urged Raila to abandon Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate in 2017, saying that otherwise, he will be defeated as he was in the 2013 general election.
Ruto said Raila should also change strategy and his line-up.
“Let Raila plan well this time round, for it will be a tougher battle that doesn’t require people like Kalonzo. Let him unleash his campaign weapons and face Uhuru head-on in the battlefield,” the DP said.
Uhuru’s side is aware of Ruto calculus and has reached out to Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi as a possible running mate in 2017.
Mudavadi met former Minister Fred Gumo and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma last Monday at the Serena hotel, then flew out to get feedback.
Those he met told the former Deputy Prime Minister to seize the offer because it would improve his chances of succeeding Kenyatta in 2022.
TNA, on the other hand, is said to be considering Peter Kenneth to take over from Uhuru with a running mate from either Western or Rift Valley.
– the-star.co.ke
