Few political heavyweights present as Ruto endorsed to run for presidency on UDA

• Mar 15, 2022

Few political heavyweights present as Ruto endorsed to run for presidency on UDA

By Correspondent

Deputy President William Ruto was endorsed by delegates to vie for the presidency on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Ruto, who has forged an alliance with Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford-Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang’ula dubbed Kenya Kwanza, also got endorsement to seek coalitions with other like-minded parties.

The Deputy President was endorsed in a ceremony that was graced by businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.

And unlike the Azimio event where Raila was endorsed by several parties, Ruto was endorsed to vie on UDA, meaning that Mudavadi is still in the race for State House.

Wanjigi, Kabogo and Kuria were cheered on entry at the NDC at the Kasarani stadium. 

They walked into the packed stadium, which was strewn with the UDA party's green and yellow colours, amid cheers, appearing to finally make it clear where their allegiance lies.

Wanjigi, who resigned from the ODM party to join Safina in early March, said he would run for Kenya's top job under the Paul Muite-led party, while Kabogo and Kuria are running for Kiambu Governor on Chama Cha Kazi (CCM) and Tujibebe Wakenya tickets, respectively.

The three did not sign a coalition with Ruto with reports saying they are still negotiating.

Ruto was declared as UDA's Presidential Candidate at midday during the National Delegates Convention at the Kasarani Stadium.

Other leaders who attended the delegates’ conference included Kakamega Senator Cleopas Malala, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina, UDA chairman Johnstone Muthama, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Kandara MP Alice Wahome.

Speaking at the event, Muthama said the UDA party was aiming at winning the August polls.

“We started without a house. You (Ruto) were chased from a house that you helped build (Jubilee). With your braveness, you led us without looking behind. We are looking forward to winning the next election with not less than 65 per cent of presidential votes cast," Muthama said.

Ruto will now be expecting a similar endorsement by Kenya Kwanza Alliance, a coalition he hopes to use to ascend to presidency.

And although Mudavadi, a co-founder of the coalition is also salivating for the same position, pundits have it that Ruto ultimately take the day paving way for a heated duel between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga who has already been endorsed to go for the top seat in the upcoming polls.

Ruto who was accompanied by his wife Rachel Ruto will now embark on a search for a worthy running mate to help him start a possible journey to State House.