ODM boss speaks on deputising DP Ruto in 2022

juma chrispinus

June 22, 2018 9:10 AM

Is ODM's boss crossing to Jubilee?

Orange Democratic Party Deputy leader Wycliffe Oparanya on Friday spoke for the first time on reports that he was set to deputise DP William Ruto in the 2022 General elections.

Speaking during a morning radio show in Nairobi, the Kakamega Governor maintained that he would not play the second fiddle in the 2022 race but had intentions to dethrone President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House.

“I have no intention to support DP Ruto as number two. I want to be the president of Kenya in 2022.

“All I want is to concentrate on serving the people of Kakamega first then from there I would urge them to support me in 2022. That’s what I can say. I don’t think it’s time to keep moving every weekend to campaign. It is not yet time,” the governor said in a radio interview.

The governor was responding to claims that he was out to support DP Ruto ascend to presidency in 2022.

ALSO READ: ODM Deputy party leader's plan to take over from Uhuru receives major boost after today's meeting

His bid for presidency, early last month received a major boost after dozens of elected and nominated MPs and Members of County Assemblies from Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Kakamega endorsed him for the seat.

The leaders who spoke during a fundraiser at Ekwanda ACK Church building project in Vihiga said that it was due to his good development record, experience, maturity and philosophy of unity of purpose.

The meeting came a few weeks after the governor urged his party boss, Raila Odinga, to support his quest for the presidency. Mr Odinga, however, when he visited Kakamega, remained mum on the issue.

“I have been supporting you all this time during your ambitions for the top office in this country, but now it’s time for you to support me,” said Oparanya to the NASA chief.

juma chrispinus