This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's recent tour of Nakuru County has exposed deep cracks in Jubilee Party among leaders in the cosmopolitan devolved unit.
On Saturday, during his visit to Nakuru, Dr Ruto presided over two funds drives at African Independent Pentecostal Church (AIPCA) in Nakuru Town East and at Kabazi trading centre in Subukia constituency.
While a section of leaders led by Senator Susan Kihika reiterated their support for Dr Ruto's 2022 State House bid, Governor Lee Kinyanjui tactfully kept off the debate and instead concentrated on development matters.
Ms Kihika, who is the co-chairperson of the women's league, Inua Mama team, which supports the DP, told Dr Ruto at AIPCA church, 'I want to assure you that when time comes in 2022 Nakuru, leaders will stand with you.'
However, Governor Kinyanjui thanked the DP for steering the national unity and urged him to support the elevation of Nakuru town to city status, saying, 'Please stand with us when the Nakuru city status report is tabled before the Cabinet.'
The DP has visited Nakuru more than four times this year, and each time he is in town, Governor Kinyanjui has steered away from the debate.
However, to many political pundits in the region, the stance taken by Mr Kinyanjui did not come as a surprise, given his political rivalry with Ms Kihika, who has shown keen interest to vie for the Nakuru governor seat.
