A section of Mt Kenya politicians has called on Deputy President William Ruto to pick National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi as his running mate in 2022.
Led by Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua, the lawmakers said Mt Kenya region will fully support Ruto should he pick Muturi as his running mate.
They noted that Muturi has not been implicated in any corruption scandals and has vast experience in public service.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for Manyatta MP John Muchiri, the Mbeere North MP said Speaker Muturi would be ahead of the pack of those eyeing the Deputy President post in Ruto’s government.
Njagagua’s remarks were backed by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungw’a, who noted that Embu county has faithfully supported past regimes and should be considered for the running mate position.
“Embu county residents cannot be taken for granted. They supported Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, [Daniel] Moi and [Mwai] Kibaki’s regimes and overwhelmingly voted for the Jubilee government. What Embu people will decide is what we shall go by,” Ichungw’a said.
Mr Murugara Gitonga, Tharaka Nithi MP, added that he will try to convince Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, who is also eyeing the running mate post, to relinquish his bid in support of Muturi.
While nominated MP Cecily Mbarire stated that 2022 is the time for Mt Kenya to return the favour to Ruto for supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta for two terms.
Ruto, who was in attendance, said Jubilee Party will decide who will be the flagbearer for every seat when the time comes.
He agreed that Justin Muturi has a wealth of experience as he was the Chief Whip when they were the leaders of the opposition. The DP further urged the lawmakers to support Muturi fully to work for the people of Kenya as Speaker in the remaining years.
