Ruto seeks 2012 running mate

Written By:Glena Nyamwaya,    Posted: Wed, Jun 29, 2011

Eldoret North MP William Ruto said his running mate for the presidential bid will probably hail from Eastern or Coast Province

Eldoret North Member of Parliament William Ruto has hinted that he is shopping for a potential running mate for his presidential bid from either Eastern or Coast province.

The suspended Higher Education Minister said after intense analysis, research and consultation with his political allies countrywide, he has decided to give priority to a candidate from the larger Meru before extending his net to the Coast province where he will be on tour this weekend.

"I will give the Meru community top priority when shopping for my running mate and then later the coast province. Meru people are very democratic, hardworking and always stick together after making a decision regardless of other external forces," said Ruto

Speaking in Meru town on Tuesday en route to Kieni kia Ndege market in South Imenti district, Ruto noted that he is in good working relationship with both the leaders and residents of Meru, the Coast province and other parts of the country.

He also urged Kenyans to elect credible leaders with an enviable track record and shun comedians and joy riders.

"The fact that two civic leaders were recently re-elected on the UDM ticket in Meru County speaks volumes of how people value me here. I am proud to be associated with the Meru region. Elect leaders who can unite and equitably manage the county resources and shun noise makers, comedians and those who think leadership is equivalent to beauty contest," the MP said.

He said his campaign team has already started laying groundwork for his presidential bid by creating network countrywide and cautioned other leaders against preaching tribalism, hatred, witch-hunting and instead embrace unity to avoid plunging the nation into unnecessary civil strife.

Ruto said the Narc- Kenya leader Martha Karua, who also doubles up as the Gichugu MP does not pose any serious threat to his presidential bid and urged his supporters to stop panicking for no cause.

"I assure leaders and Kenyans in general to stop panicking because our strategy is to win the presidency with a landslide. The PNU Alliance won't disintegrate as some selfish politicians think. We will go for the nominations and support the eventual winner. Together with Kalonzo Musyoka, Uhuru Kenyatta, Eugene Wamalwa and other likeminded leaders, we are committed to delivering the victory,' remarked Ruto.

This he said during the homecoming party of the Igoji civic leader John Paul Kireria who was re-elected on a UDM ticket.

Ruto was responding to Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, also the area MP, who together with Agriculture Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki of Nithi constituency had sought to know whether the suspended minister was in UDM or PNU Alliance and fate of the party after its nomination process.

"When we were "young Turks", we did a terrible mistake in the 1997 general elections by ensuring we have a presidential candidate in every province in order to defeat former President Moi. I am older than you and am advising you to ensure the same mistake is never repeated again," cautioned Kiraitu.

The Minister expressed concerns the "opponent" might beat them hands down if they disintegrate adding the only option left is to stick together because the most important person who make things happen in a vehicle is the driver while others offer technical and moral support.

Kiraitu also paid tribute to Ruto's development record noting he is the kind of leader the country needs after president Kibaki's exit because he (Ruto) is courageous, progressive and always makes an informed decision instead of fence sitting.

Expressing similar sentiments, Kareke urged Kenyans to shun tribalism, witch-hunting and other retrogressive activities and embrace unity.

"Our only target is Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Unless we unite, we will fail. Pressure is building countrywide with every tribe attempting to have their own kin in the presidential race. The PNU team must remain united otherwise they will lose," said Kareke.

Tigania South MP Mithika Linturi among others who attended the ceremony also appealed to the community to remain united and elect credible leaders both in the county and the national government.