Tanga Tanga team rush to give Ruto plan B ahead of 2022

Deputy President William Ruto allies are now in to give their boss options ahead of 2022 polls. Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno has advised the DP to mend fences with “independent minded” leaders with whom he burnt bridges in the run-up to the last election if he hoped to suppress his enemies in Jubilee.“He fought independent-minded people who would have now come in handy.

“He thought he would succeed without them. He should retreat and embrace the people he ignored and spent his time fighting, if he wants to succeed,” said Mr Ng’eno.

Former Kakamega senator Bonny Khalwale, who has joined Ruto’s camp, said the DP had nothing to lose in case the country adopted a parliamentary system, a proposal backed by rival, Raila Odinga.

Deputy President William Ruto

“He controls votes in the North Rift and among pastoralist communities. He has also been making inroads in western Kenya. You cannot write him off,” said Dr Khalwale.

Oscar Sudi said Ruto would support the proposed referendum as a strategy to avoid antagonising Uhuru, regardless of the referendum question. “Ruto will support a referendum if the country feels it is ready for it.”

Those who have been in the corridors of power say Ruto should avoid being drawn into seemingly endless fights despite the humiliation he might suffer. They point out that this strategy won power for the two vice presidents who ascended to the presidency.

Veteran politician Franklin Bett, who served in both the Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki administrations, said Ruto should “lie low” and carefully work out his succession plan without provoking his boss or other Jubilee leaders.

“He should consult widely before making any decision. I suggest he calls a meeting of leaders from Rift Valley and take stock of the past two general elections before making any move.”

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama said Ruto should learn from retired President Moi, who managed to succeed Jomo Kenyatta “because he was strategic even when some politicians were against him”.

“I suggest Ruto stick in Jubilee and do his work as he plans for 2022 in silence. He should keep his cards close to his chest,” said the Jubilee MP.

Even the DP’s allies agree that it is not prudent for Ruto to be seen to be fighting his boss, but also observe that Uhuru and Ruto had not contradicted each other, at least publicly, which they say demonstrates that they are still together.

 

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