Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has stated that he will not apologize to Deputy President William Ruto for his comments regarding Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
According to Kabogo, as a friend of Ruto, he feels entitled to share his honest opinion. He emphasized that discussions about the 2022 presidential elections should commence immediately.
Kabogo previously sparked controversy by suggesting that Ruto is not guaranteed votes from the Mt Kenya region simply due to his position as Deputy President and member of the Jubilee party.
In response to Kabogo's remarks, legislators from Central and Rift Valley regions criticized him, arguing that his statements do not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, typically vocal critics of Ruto, surprisingly expressed their support for the Deputy President. Keter stated,
"It is not Kabogo who will determine whether Ruto becomes President or not. Ruto should be the President of Kenya in 2022 because he is a great leader."
Sudi added,
"We are ready to launch a countrywide campaign for the DP to ensure he clinches the seat."
He also urged the Central region to support Ruto, citing the Rift Valley's support for Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2013 election.
However, Kiambu MPs, led by Ferdinand Waititu and Ngewa Ward MCA Karungu Thang'wa, distanced themselves from Kabogo's sentiments, stating that his opinions do not represent the people of Kiambu.
Waititu clarified,
"Kabogo has no power to speak on behalf of the people of Mt Kenya. We would like to state that his utterances are nothing but a personal position on the matter."
Ruto has publicly declared his interest in running for the presidency in 2022 under the Jubilee Party ticket.
