While the extent of the impact of Uhuru’s endorsement of Raila remains unclear, politicians said the President’s move would deal Ruto a blow.
Lugari MP Ayub Savula told the Star Uhuru has started a political war that will vanquish Ruto and take him to opposition benches.
“Uhuru is speaking directly to his people, Ruto has no capacity to fight back at the President; in fact, he will lose out,” he said.
But Ruto allies say Uhuru’s political moves are inconsequential as Mt Kenya long ago moved to Ruto’s UDA.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua even claimed Uhuru cannot hold an open rally in Central to endorse Raila; he only wants to speak to a vetted audience.
“We invite him to hold a public meeting where there are no vetted people and repeat what he said [about Ruto],”Gachagua said after the President spoke.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega said the DP should brace for tough times.
“The President’s remarks cannot be in vain, the ramifications will be sweeping for Ruto and his team in the coming weeks in Mt Kenya,” he said.
Ruto could be pushed to the wall with recent surveys showing his fortunes, especially in Mt Kenya, are dwindling.
For instance, Uhuru ‘s move to embrace small parties in the region could unsettle Ruto.
Ruto has insisted that his United Democratic Alliance party will not enter into coalitions with small parties, branding them as ‘tribal.’
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has differed with Ruto over this and pledged not to fold up his Chama Cha Kazi to join UDA.
The Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has also stuck to his guns, severing links with Ruto.
The President’s declaration, therefore, appears to appease these small parties.
Raila has said he has no problem working with small parties, with at least 10 of them set to join his Azimio La Umoja this weekend.
