This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On a strategic move to secure his 2022 presidential bid, Deputy President William Ruto has assembled a team he considers 'formidable' in Gusii land.
According to sources, the DP held two separate meetings with groups from Nyamira and Kisii counties at his Karen home on Tuesday, marking a crucial step in his journey to State House.
Leading the group from Kisii County was Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, who was accompanied by 27 ward reps from the region.
Meanwhile, MPs Joash Nyamoko, Vincent Kemosi, and Shadrack Mose led over 200 youths from Nyamira to the Karen meeting.
As Ruto's allies in the western region, led by National Assembly Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali, cautioned ODM politicians against using the handshake to sabotage democracy, the DP's team in Gusii has set its sights on frustrating Kisii Governor James Ongwae's bid to support Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i for presidency.
With the 2022 presidential election on the horizon, Ruto's team in Gusii is gearing up to scatter efforts made by those backing Matiang'i, further solidifying Ruto's support base in the region.
