It is barely three years to the next 2022 general elections, and Deputy President Dr William Ruto is up and down scheming to succeed his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.
But can his current allies be trusted? Will they not betray him? Well, former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto a few weeks ago during his interview with KTN News said the DP has an opportunity to safeguard his political fortunes but only if he listens to advice.
Will DP William Ruto become President in 2022? Find out by watching a great show on #KTNPointblank its the rerun this morning @9.30am – Join former Bomet Governor @IsaacRutoGov giving his view only @KTNKenya @KTNPointBlank @KTNNewsKE @StandardKenya @PalomaGatabaki @CaroleKimutai pic.twitter.com/YEsDLKZqjH
— Tony Gachoka (@TonyGachoka) May 26, 2019
He cannot choose to stick with boys and expect to roar to victory, especially during these days of betrayal.
He can ignore his namesake’s words of wisdom to his detriment. Last week, the CCM founder told his former bosom friend to heed to his unsolicited advice by reducing his retinue of inexperienced politicians. It is not too late for the DP to score for seasoned allies.
His unbridled desire to hobnob with political novices, who cannot even call for a cattle dip baraza, will endanger his journey to the top seat.
I agree with Rutto that the greenhorns the DP surrounds himself with will one day dissolve into thin air, leaving him stranded and vulnerable to the political storms ahead.
That is why he should deliberately draw up a brand new shopping list of worthy allies if he is to realise his 2022 dreams.
In his Rift Valley backyard, the DP is slowly losing friends who could have enriched his presidential dreams.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos have already jumped ship. Even Rutto himself is in a wait-and-see position over his support for the DP’s ambitions.
How on earth will National Assembly Majority Whip Benjamin Washiali and Kimilili MP Didmus Baraza attract votes for the DP from the Western region?
What of Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba? I think he is very lightweight.
Before 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta will travel to Nyeri, Kiambu or Murang’a and call out the local greenhorns for what they are. They will be read the riot act and just like that, they will vanish into the Chania River.