This archive report was first published on 5 September 2021.
Deputy President William Ruto has received a significant boost in his presidential bid, with 47 leaders from the Mount Kenya region declaring their support for his candidacy.
According to a list shared by Bahati Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ngunjiri on September 4, the leaders include elected and nominated senators and MPs who will work together with the DP to serve the interests of their people.
The leaders, who comprise a mix of politicians from various parties, have chosen to focus on Ruto's bottom-up economic model, which they believe has the potential to change the lives of ordinary citizens.
Among the notable figures supporting Ruto's bid are Senators John Kinyua of Laikipia, Susan Kihika of Nakuru, and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi.
Woman Representatives listed include Kiambu's Gathoni Wamucomba, Nyeri's Rahab Mukami, and Kirinyaga's Wangui Ngirici.
Notably absent from the list is Gatundu MP Moses Kuria, who has been at odds with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over the party's leadership.
"We have no time for divisive, tribal and sectorial politics that have divided the country and diverted our attention from the real issues affecting our people," Ngunjiri stated, echoing the sentiments of the 47 leaders.
