This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
On Thursday, Deputy President William Ruto met with Jubilee leaders from Taita-Taveta at his Mata farm in Taveta, marking a significant step in his efforts to win over the Coast region, an opposition stronghold, ahead of the 2022 general election.
According to sources, the meeting was aimed at solidifying Dr Ruto's support and laying the groundwork for his 2022 campaign machinery.
Over 200 delegates, including Taveta MP Naomi Shaban and Woman Representative Lydia Haika, pledged their support for Dr Ruto's journey to State House in 2022.
Former Woman Representative Joyce Lay and several aspirants who ran for various seats under the party during the last general election also attended the meeting, where they discussed key issues, including the grassroots elections scheduled for March this year.
Although the details of the meeting were not disclosed, Jubilee leaders described it as successful and aimed at galvanizing support for Dr Ruto's presidential bid.
During the meeting, Dr Ruto vowed to rally behind President Uhuru Kenyatta's quest for national unity and expressed his support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
Dr Ruto's declaration of support for the BBI report marked a shift in his stance, as he had previously appeared to differ with President Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga on the matter.
"I support the BBI, but it must be people-driven. We will not allow people to use the BBI for their benefit,” Dr Ruto said.
He urged party leaders to support the report, emphasizing its potential to spearhead reforms that would benefit the country.
The DP also asked the leaders to popularize the Jubilee Party in the region, which is considered an opposition stronghold.
He dismissed talks of an anti-Ruto campaign within the party, insisting that Jubilee is intact and has support across the country.
“Jubilee is a national party that has support all over the country. We will not allow outsiders to bring disunity in our party,” Dr Ruto said.
The meeting comes at a time when a significant number of opposition leaders from the Coast region seem to be backing Dr Ruto.
Ms Haika said the ruling party is gaining popularity at the Coast and will soon overthrow the opposition.
