We've No MoU with DP William Ruto over 2022 Elections, Kikuyu Elders Say

The Kikuyu Council of Elders says the community has no deal with Deputy President William Ruto to support his bid for Presidency in 2022.

The council's national Chairperson Wachira Kiago says the community doesn't owe anyone a political debt and will decide on whom to back when the time comes.

Kiago has also refuted reports that his council struck a power deal with the Kalenjin Council of Elders during a meeting about six years ago.

"There was no such meeting because we do not wish to mix ourselves with politics. We are focused on fostering unity," he says as quoted by the Daily Nation.

"We are advocating for unity [and will] not [support] those fostering divisive politics," he adds.

The Kikuyu elders say they will rally behind a presidential candidate who represents the interests of the community. The elders spoke during a prayer meeting at Kabiruini Grounds, Nyeri County.

Their remarks come a week after Jubilee Vice-Chairperson David Murathe caused a storm after he asked Ruto to retire together with President Kenyatta in 2022, noting that the ruling party and the Mt. Kenya community have no MoU with the Deputy President over 2022 elections.

“We have no MoU with anyone that we will support them in 2022. If he has any deal with Uhuru Kenyatta, then that is an agreement between the two of them,” said Murathe referring to Ruto.

“We Mt. Kenya community don’t have an agreement with DP to support him in 2022 unless it was between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta, he should prepare to go home,” added Murathe.

"If you (Ruto) have led with Uhuru for two terms, what else do you want? We don't know someone who will guard us but we know someone who will break us. We will take someone who will safeguard Mt Kenya."