The search for Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022 is gaining momentum with each day that passes.
Ruto will be running for State House in 2022. It is not yet clear if his deputy will come from Mt Kenya region as has been touted.
His bid has caused a lot of disquiet within Jubilee strongholds, especially in Mt Kenya region where he is expected to net his deputy.
However, some political players in the country feel it is time the realms of power went to another community besides Kalenjin and Kikuyu.
Lately, the disquiet that has been there owing to who should deputize him has pitted the Luhya community against Gema.
The Luhya community through Sirisia MP John Waluke said they already have a suitable candidate to deputize Ruto come 2022.
Waluke, however, remained tight-lipped on who the man for the job is.
But sources say Water and Irrigation CS Eugene Wamalwa or former Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba could be the politicians from Western being fronted for the job.
“We are sure Ruto will be the next president and as Luhyas we are targeting the number two slot,” said Waluke according to the Star.
Both Wamalwa and Namwamba have rallied behind Jubilee. In the run-up to August 8 polls, Namwamba who is Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) chair pledged to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election.
Back to Mt Kenya, leaders have said they will front Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to deputize Ruto.
Gema’s organizing secretary Paul Kinyanjui said Kiunjuri, a former MP for Laikpia is the man for the job.
“He has also proved to be an effective servant of the people, considering how he has performed since he joined the cabinet,” said Kinyanjui.
“We are asking Ruto that God-willing, he should consider Kiunjuri as a possible running mate.”
He added that so far, the CS is the senior most leader in Mt Kenya region.
The CS in an earlier interview with a local TV station said he has ambitions but he did not state if or not he is eyeing the DP’s seat.
Rumors about Kiunjuri’s clamour for the DP’s seat first hit the headlines during Jubilee Party primaries.
Political heavyweights from Central Kenya who were felled blamed their woes on him saying the CS engineered their political downfall to protect his 2022 ambition.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is among the politicians who viciously attacked Kiunjuri after his loss.