The 2022 general election is already on with more persuasions and new enemies being made at a shocking but expected rate since politics has never been known to be loyal or a fare game.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju’s brother, Kefa, in Rarieda, Murathe maintained that Ruto should retire together with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Tutaenda hadi Supreme Court. Sisi hatucheki na watu (we will head to the Supreme Court, we are not joking with anyone),” he said.
Murathe reiterated his stance that the presidency is a pair and under the Constitution, the DP cannot seek a new term in 2022 as he will have already served the maximum two terms together with President Kenyatta.
At the same time, Mr Murathe dangled a proposal to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) asking its chairman Mr John Mbadi, to join Jubilee to form the Jubilee National Coalition ahead of 2022.
The statement also came at a time that Mr Mbadi and Senate Minority leader Mr James Orengo maintained that opposition chief Mr Raila Odinga will seek the presidency in the next General Election.
Mr Murathe’s comments have elicited angry responses from the DP’s allies, who accused him of fomenting ethnic divisions or simply sabotaging ambitions of Dr Ruto. Some of the leaders in Jubilee have insisted the party should hold elections for their officials, so those who speak for it speak only on matters agreed upon by the relevant organs.
Mr Murathe says there are legal implications in Ruto’s candidature. He argues the Presidency is composed of two holders; President and Deputy, and that they should all be retired after two terms in office.
Speaking at his Sugoi home on Wednesday, Ruto said he will support whoever beats him in the 2022 Jubilee presidential nominations.
The DP said the party was founded on democracy and, therefore, candidates running for various seats should accept the outcome of the process when that time comes.
Ruto has previously said that no one owes him a political debt.Was Ruto’s statement real?