Declare Your Stand on DP William Ruto's 2022 Presidential Bid, Rift Valley Elders Ask President Uhuru

Rift Valley Council of Elders have challenged President Kenyatta to declare his stand on Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.

Speaking in Nakuru, the elders, led by their patron Gilbert Kabage, demanded that the President declare whether he will keep his promise of supporting Ruto's candidature in the next elections.

The elders said they were concerned by the growing cracks in the ruling Jubilee party, noting that President Uhuru's declaration on backing Ruto would help quell the tensions.

“We challenge President Uhuru Kenyatta to come out clear and say whether he still supports Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid. Does he still support him or has he changed his mind?” asked Kabage.

They also raised concerns over reports that some senior State House officials are plotting to scuttle the Deputy President's state house ambitions.

Also present was, Joel Koech (vice-chairman), Peter Charagu (secretary), and John Kahato (organising secretary), among others.

“To calm the storm that threatens to tear apart the Jubilee Party, we request the President to give details of the ‘handshake’ between him and the former prime minister,” said Charagu.

The elders also urged leaders from the Rift eying the Presidency to shelve their bids and rally behind Ruto.

“We urge all leaders, including Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, to unanimously support Ruto, who is the Rift Valley political kingpin and is a stone’s throw from the presidency. We need not gamble with this chance,” said Joel Koech, an elder.