Ruto endorsed as UDA’s presidential candidate

Deputy President William Samoei Ruto has, on March 15, 2022, been declared as UDA’s Presidential candidate during the party’s National Delegates Convention at the Kasarani Stadium.

Among top leaders who attended the conference include Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, Kakamega Senator Cleopas Malala, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina, UDA chairman Johnstone Muthama, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, and Kandara MP Alice Wahome.

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi, who recently ditched ODM for Paul Muite’s Safina party was also in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Muthama said that the UDA party was aiming at winning the August polls. “We started without a house. You (Ruto) were chased from a house that you helped build (Jubilee). With your braveness, you led us without looking behind. We are looking forward to winning the next election with not less than 65 per cent of presidential votes cast,” Muthama said.

Ruto will now be expecting a similar endorsement by Kenya Kwanza Alliance, a coalition he hopes to use to ascend to presidency.

And although Musalia Mudavadi, a co-founder of the coalition is also salivating for the same position, pundits have it that Ruto will ultimately take the day paving way for a heated duel between the DP and ODM leader Raila Odinga who has already been endorsed to go for the top seat in the upcoming polls.

Ruto who was accompanied by his wife Rachel Ruto will now embark on a search for a worthy running mate to help him start a possible journey to the State House.

During the event that was also attended by among others former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Ruto was handed powers to fly the flag of the party that he formed after a fallout with his boss in the ruling Jubilee Party.

Wanjigi and other leaders who attended the major event revealed that they attended as invited guests.