Ruto Hints at Forming New Political Party Ahead of 2022 Election

Deputy President William Ruto has hinted at ditching the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

Ruto who spoke during an interview with The Star on Thursday claimed the governing party had been hijacked by people he described as brokers, busybodies, and conmen.

"When the President disagreed with Kanu, he formed TNA and when I was done with ODM, I formed URP. In politics, there are always options and I will employ them at the right time," Ruto told the local daily.

He expressed fears that the Jubilee Party may suffer the same fate that befell Kanu following the 2002 election. 

"The party has been hijacked by brokers who are running it through fear. Their word is the party position. The same virus that infected Kanu and killed it after the 2002 elections has come to Jubilee," Ruto said.

"The mistake Kanu made is that they found themselves with more people outside. [With] the kind of investment we have put in Jubilee, it will be tragic if we lose on the ideals. The biggest loser will be President Kenyatta and me."

Ruto admitted that the March 9th, 2018 handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga was the genesis of the woes facing Jubilee today.

"We have not been efficient as we were in the first term. During the first term, the President and I worked closely and we delivered. In the second term, the President chose to work with other people and the difference is clear," Ruto remarked.

At the same time, DP Ruto expressed reservations about Uhuru and Raila’s push for a referendum to amend the 2010 constitution.

"This Constitution change push is from the leaders, not from the people. People are more concerned about their daily living. Jubilee had no policy position. Maybe when the BBI document is released we may tell the people that this is also a priority," Ruto said.