Deputy President William Ruto was over the weekend involved in a flurry of activities that bolstered his 2022 presidential bid.

The highlight was his crowning as a Tugen elder at an event Eldama Ravine, Baringo that was graced by a team of 20 elders.

"After scrutinizing you for a long time, we have chosen you from the long list of our leaders to take over as President in 2022," the elders told DP Ruto.

The DP was also assure of support from the community and the county at large in the 2022 presidential race that has also attracted Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.

The elders assured the DP that they would not crown anyone else from Rift Valley ad Baringo in particular as an elder.

This promise automatically locks out Baringo senator, a key rival to the DP who has also been seen to be rallying his forces for the 2022 battle.

“We give you these tools of power ... use them to lead the country and don't blunder," the elders told Ruto.

The development are likely to weaken Moi's support in his turf, given that elders are influential in the community and are still relied on in giving the community a political direction.

The Baringo senator has in recent days shot to the limelight, attending a series of events and reaching out to new allies as the 2022 race takes shape.

He was part of the team that met with Raila Odinga when the opposition chief visited retired President Daniel Moi.

An attempt by DP Ruto to meet the retired president proved futile with Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen disclosing that the Baringo senator was to blame for the botched meeting.