DP Ruto's change of strategy and efforts pay off as leaders ditch Raila for the DP

janet ndila

June 2, 2018 12:27 PM

Details of DP Ruto’s secret meetings with Nyanza leaders

Deputy President William Ruto has been holding secret meetings and has assembled a high profile team to topple Raila Odinga’s political dominance in Luo Nyanza region ahead of the 2022 elections.

Ruto’s key ally in Nyanza who ditched ODM for the DP and who is familiar with the on-goings at Ruto’s camp - George Ayugi revealed what could be a shocker to Odinga with some of his key allies having crossed over to join the DP’s camp.

"Ruto's campaign machine is being assembled and you will be shocked to know who are in the team from Luo Nyanza,” Ayugi revealed.

Plans are also underway to have the DP tour the region in a bid to assert his political dominance and consolidate his support in Luo Nyanza ahead of the 2022 elections as Uhuru succession take shape.

The full-throttle charm offensive by the DP is inspired by recent reconciliatory handshake between the DP and Odinga during the National Prayer Breakfast.

His secret charm offensive seem to be bearing fruit with some of Odinga’s key allies ditching the former premier for the DP and further weakening Odinga’s support.

Last month, former Kabondo Kasipul MP, Sylvans Osele and his Ndhiwa counterpart Augustino Neto publicly declared support for Ruto, declaring that he was better suited to succeeed President Kenyatta.

Ayugi disclosed that almost all former Luo Nyanza MPs who command massive political support are solidly in the DP’s camp.

A timely change of tact by the DP has also seen him make inroads into what was traditionally considered Odinga's turf with key gains.

In recent days, the DP shifted from confrontational politics pitting him against the former premier, instead deploying his mobilization team and machinery to market his bid at the grassroots level.

Previously, the DP was widely viewed as an enemy to the Uhuru-Raila unity pact with ODM declaring him Kenya’s enemy number one.

janet ndila