Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has moved his political activities including his presidential campaign secretariat from his official Karen residence, amid murmurs that the government planned to pave way for renovations.

Ruto, who has been running his presidential campaign from the official residence has since acquired a Sh350 million office space in Kilimani, Nairobi.

According to sources, the five-storey building will act as the campaign secretariat for the DP.

Presidential bid

The new building, christened “Hustler Command Centre” is based along Ngong road just before Ngong Racecourse. The office will be used to manage the affairs of the party.

The facility will also have a secretariat as well as provide logistical support to the Party’s nationwide campaigns.

The building will also serve as the nerve centre for Ruto’s presidential campaign as it will house the presidential campaign secretariat.

Sources indicate the party acquired the building last month and it is in the last leg of the renovation. The DP, who is the party leader will occupy the third floor alongside party chairman Johnstone Muthama. Secretary-general Veronica Maina will occupy the fourth floor.

Other party officials and staff will occupy the remaining floors.

The change of office comes in wake of the start of the official campaign period, with his close allies terming the move as strategic to avoid a situation where he is accused of using State resources to advance his presidential bid.

“I know for a fact that in a couple of months, we will have a new DP, but I want to tell the good people who want to assist us with the renovations that for Kenya Kwanza, renovating the residence of the deputy president is not a priority,” Ruto said, alluding to eviction fears.

He criticised the need to carry out renovations on the residence when millions of Kenyans were facing starvation.

Allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta have been pushing for Ruto’s eviction from the residence for allegedly “biting the hand that feeds him.”