Dr Ruto has called his troops to order and asked all Jubilee members to “respect the President”.
“I ask those interfering with the affairs of the party to keep off. As a matter of fact, there is no contest in Jubilee, and only those with parochial beliefs are advancing this position.
“There is only one leader in Jubilee. Any other person outside that framework is a liar,” Dr Ruto told congregants at Joy Celebrations Centre in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Dr Ruto has been a subject of debate within and outside Jubilee Party, with a ‘Stop Ruto’ faction led by former Jubilee interim vice-chairman David Murathe – which wants him blocked from contesting the 2022 election – saying he had served as a joint pair with the President.
Mr Murathe has also threatened a mass walkout from Jubilee to form a ‘different formation’ without Dr Ruto.
On the other side, Dr Ruto is facing a barrage of accusations from Mr Raila Odinga’s ODM party, which has accused him of a plot to sabotage the March 9 Kenyatta-Odinga handshake, claims he has denied.
Ruto had attended a church function with President Kenyatta at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Parish-Ridgeways in Kiambu, where the two called for Kenyans to promote peace and unity.
Ruto further moved to stop an implosion in the ruling Jubilee Party over his 2022 State House bid, even as he dismissed claims of divisions in the party and insisted he is fully supportive of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He asked his troops to tone down on their rhetoric, and dismissed talks of division in the party he hopes to use to ascend to office after his boss’s exit in three years.
The DP, who was accompanied by two Governors, a senator and more than 40 Members of Parliament, said political leaders ought to avoid divisive politics and instead embrace unity.
“Jubilee is a party of diversity and national outlook that stands on the foundation of transforming Kenya. As such, all Jubilee leaders must focus on its agenda,” he said.
While assuring the country that Jubilee is united, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu called on politicians to tone down on sentiments that may sow division.
“Let us all engage in politics of empowering people. There are no issues in Jubilee as is being portrayed out there,” said Mr Waititu.
The Kiambu County Boss said Jubilee structures are solid, and would not be broken any time soon.
“The discourse in the party is for the good of this country. Jubilee will achieve its objectives as originally laid out when it was founded,” he said.
He said the 2022 succession politics should not bother Kenyans as “we are just waiting for Dr Ruto’s time to be Kenya’s President.”
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui asked leaders to focus on building bridges of friendship so as to transform the country.
“We need to channel our energies on fighting poverty and creating opportunities for everyone,” said Mr Kinyanjui.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara said a united Kenya would give the country an opportunity to develop at a faster rate.
Leaders present were Senator Susan Kihika (Nakuru), MPs Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Caleb Kositany (Soy), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete) and Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes).
Others MPs were Munene Wambugu (Kirinyaga Central), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Mwangi Wa Gakuya (Embakasi North), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), John Muchiri (Manyatta), Zachary Kwenya (Kinangop), David Njuguna (Olkalou), Patrick Wainaina (Thika), Faith Gitau (Women Rep, Nyandarua), Halima Mucheke (nominated) and Beatrice Nkatha (Woman Rep, Tharaka Nithi).