DP Ruto's dilemma in choosing 2022 running mate and suceeding Uhuru: Waiguru, Oparanya,Khalwale, Kalonzo, Mutua among front runners

Details have emerged of the dilemma facing Deputy President William Ruto’s camp on settling on the most suitable running mate for his 2022 bid with 12 influential and seasoned politicians floated.

Soy MP Caleb Kositany recently confirmed the dilemma stating that “it is not a walk in the park” with reports indicating that a team of DP Ruto’s most trusted allies have embarked on a mission to select the best running mate.

Despite the perception that he is spoilt for choice, DP Ruto is torn between picking a running mate from President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Mt Kenya base so as to retain the vote block and appeasing other regions.

Among his options in Mount Kenya region are Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.

A host of politicians from the Meru region, led by Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi are also eyeing the slot, with several leaders making it clear that the region should not be left out of the 2022 race.

File image of Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Governor Peter Munya and DP William Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

Reports however indicate that DP Ruto’s camp is cautious on choosing a running mate from the Mount Kenya region to avoid entrenching the “two communities in the Presidency” narrative that could potentially sink his bid.

Annalyst opine that Dr. Ruto could be keen on reversing this narrative by tilting the axis of power. Since independence, the presidency has always been held by politicians from Mount Kenya and the Rift Valley (Former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and current President Uhuru Kenyatta).

The Western Kenya headache

Ruto who has been on a charm-offensive in Western Kenya with several politicians endorsing his 2022 bid also has the region to deal with.

With the region demanding that one of their own be considered for the slot, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Bonny Khalwale, CS Eugene Wamalwa and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka are among the front runners.

DP William Ruto with former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale who recently defected to Jubilee Pulse Live Kenya

Sources privy to the details however reveal that DP Ruto’s camp is keen on picking an individual who will brings on board some value and must have a substantial voting bloc.

None of the three politicians from Western Kenya commands a significant following that could be an asset to DP Ruto’s bid.

Courting Kalonzo Musyoka

The Coast and Ukambani regions are also eyeing the seat with governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos) Amason Kingi (Kilifi) and Salim Mvurya (Kwale) emerging as the front runners from the region.

A concern is that none of these politicians commands the same following Ruto had when he backed President Kenyatta in 2013 and 2017. As a result, the team is reportedly considering bringing on board at least one prominent opposition figure with reports indicating that Kalonzo Musyoka is the easy target who could help DP Ruto realise his 2022 dream.

The next 36 months will see major political realignments with allies parting ways and rivals uniting in different political formations as DP Ruto assembles his troupes and picks his running mate.

However, the announcement may not come out soon due to concerns that those who miss out on the opportunity of being Ruto’s running mate may gang up with his opponents and scuttle his 2022 bid.