Eldoret North MP William Ruto. He is eyeing state house.
By JULIUS SIGEI, juliussigei@gmail.com
Posted Saturday, July 16 2011 at 20:36
Posted Saturday, July 16 2011 at 20:36
Eldoret North MP William Ruto is promising to be a serious candidate in next year’s presidential race, which requires that a presidential winner should garner at least 25 per cent of the votes in more than half of the counties.
Analysts are now saying the former Higher Education minister could have a head start given the number of counties in his backyard.
“With at least seven counties in his Kalenjin Rift Valley solidly behind him, Mr Ruto clearly has a head start as no other candidate including Prime Minister Raila Odinga has such an advantage,” said Kabianga University College lecturer Herbert Kerre.
“With at least seven counties in his Kalenjin Rift Valley solidly behind him, Mr Ruto clearly has a head start as no other candidate including Prime Minister Raila Odinga has such an advantage,” said Kabianga University College lecturer Herbert Kerre.
Kalenjin-dominated counties are West Pokot, Elgeiyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nandi, Kericho and Bomet. There is also a sizeable population in Trans Nzoia, Nakuru and Narok counties.
Another analyst, Prof Munene Macharia of the United States International University says Mr Ruto is a charismatic leader who is doing a lot to market himself. “He can easily garner a quarter of the votes in 12 to 15 other counties outside of his region,” said Prof Munene, adding that he is neck and neck with Mr Odinga in terms of visibility.
Pundits say the Eldoret North MP’s use of symbolism has served him well.
“Politics is about symbolism and branding. Even though Mr Ruto and his ilk criticise Mr Odinga for using the football imagery and proverbs, he is keen to fashion his own patent to market himself to the public. Thus his famous cap that has some of the country’s national colours, and also his shirts,” said university of Nairobi political science lecturer Dr Adams Oloo.
He, however, has to contend with the Internal Criminal Court (ICC), which has named him in connection to alleged crimes against humanity.
Another challenge facing the youthful MP is the political vehicle he will use. United Democratic Movement should have been easier to sell as the party is in co-operation with ODM, the party which took him and his allies to Parliament.
However, the embattled Lt Gen (Rtd) John Koech, who is an ally of Mr Odinga, has gone to court seeking to be reinstated as the party chairman.
On Thursday Judge Justice Daniel Musinga granted Gen Koech’s pleas to have Mr Ruto and his supporters barred from popularising the party until the case is heard and determined.
Were Mr Ruto to lose the case, he will be in limbo as he cannot popularise any other party without resigning from the party that sponsored him to Parliament, according to provisions of the new Constitution. Technically, UDM works for him because it’s already in partnership with ODM since the last elections.
The running mate dilemma is another hard nut for Mr Ruto to crack.
His announcement that he might front Trade minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere as his running mate only a day after he had told residents of Meru that he was looking for a partner from the region is a pointer to this headache.
“An ideal running mate is the one who not only brings more counties on board, but also votes as the national tally of 50 plus one is also important,” says political analyst Julius Meli.
He adds that perhaps that is what informed Mr Ruto’s toying with the Matuga MP given that Coast Province is home to five counties compared to Meru’s two.
How he will deal with other politicians who have always stood by him given that there are only two posts to go around is another problem.
But a key support, Dujis MP Aden Duale said that had been solved. Yesterday Mr Ruto completed a political tour of the Kisii and Nyamira counties.
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