Kenya:Ruto’s 2022 Succession Is Unstoppable-Aden Duale

By Samuel Ouma

Kenyan leader of the majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale has revealed that Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid is intact and none can affect the succession plan.

Speaking during an interview with Ebru television in July 12, Duale refuted the claims by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Gatundu South legislator Moses Kuria that there are cracks in Jubilee, the ruling party. He termed those statements as opinions.

“Raila did not join Jubilee by shaking hands with Uhuru. Ruto’s succession plan is intact and unstoppable. The handshake was an informal meeting which reassured Kenyans that the two leaders valued Kenya over personal and political interests. If Jubilee would have emerged with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) then we would be worried about Ruto’s future,” he said.

The Garissa Town Member of Parliament assured Ruto’s supporters of Jubilee full support comes 2022 despite President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga’s peace deal in March 9, 2018. The vocal legislator said the absence of Ruto and Odinga’s Running mate during August 8 polls on the fateful day is a non-issue. He congratulated President Kenyatta and the opposition chief for making history by coming together. The two families have been antagonists since post-colonial era.

“Raila is the leader of opposition and must continue to keep the government on check which is his cordial role as we implement our Big Four Agenda. As Jubilee we are united under one leader who makes key policy decisions which we have no obligations not to support whether consulted or not,” reiterated Mr. Aden Duale.

In last few weeks Ruto’s diehards from his home turf called on President Kenyatta to revoke his deal with Odinga claiming that there are hidden plans by some State House officials to scuttle the former Eldoret north legislator’s presidential bid.  They attributed disquiet in the Ruling party to the famous handshake which calmed high political tension following the alleged bungled presidential elections.

“The meeting would be timely because even a fool knows there is a crisis that is threatening to tear Jubilee apart. We need to understand some few things about the handshake and why things have changed suddenly in Jubilee,” said legislator Samuel Arama one of Ruto’s ardent supporters.