Deputy President William Ruto is said to have changed his mind on having Tharaka Nithi senator Prof Kithure Kindiki as his running mate under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
According to a source from UDA, reports that Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga was likely to pick Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua as his deputy could have jolted DP Ruto’s plans in Mt Kenya. The credible source says the deputy president is worried Martha Karua is a strong Kikuyu voice and voters from Mt Kenya West are likely to listen to her as the campaign rubber begins to hit the road.
The Narc-Kenya leader is not only one of the most senior Kikuyu leaders currently but also is decorated with enough reform credentials having been part of the second liberation struggle and one of the strongest pillars in the Kibaki administration. She also ran for the top seat in 2013.
Read: DP Ruto drops Kabogo as Kenya Kwanza brigade returns to Gatundu South
On the other hand, leaders across the country have also a number of times accused the Kenya Kwanza brigade of sidelining women in their team and have severally expressed this could paint William Ruto in a bad light – as a leader not keen on embracing women leadership.
”I think it’s high time the country thinks of fully embracing women leadership because I know there are several of us who are eying this position but I feel I am best suited to take it because I am a woman and this will help strike a balance in leadership. Other regions might want to get this position but for now, Mount Kenya should be given the priority,” Alice Wahome said on Thursday.
The insider confided to this publication that Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Kandara MP Alice Wahome are considered strong choices to counter Martha Karua if Raila takes her as his DP.
If Waiguru is picked as William Ruto’s number two, UDA is courting Purity Ngirici and could back her as its Kirinyaga gubernatorial candidate despite her running on an Independent ticket.
Purity Ngirici is expected to announce her preferred Presidential candidate on Sunday.
