Mt Kenya Tycoons Gang Up Against Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 Presidential Ambition

Rich individuals from the Mount Kenya region have reportedly ganged up to scuttle Deputy President William Ruto's bid to succeed President Kenyatta in the 2022 elections.

The Star reports that the tycoons have incorporated influential politicians in a scheme that will culminate into endorsement of Baringo senator Gideon Moi's presidential bid in the next elections.

A section of Jubilee Members of Parliament, mostly from Rift Valley, have allegedly been recruited into the plot to neutralize Ruto and are already warming up to the Baringo senator, the Star further says.

Among those at the heart of the well-choreographed scheme are two Principal Secretaries, a former Governor, a sitting Governor and a member of an influential political family. The group has allegedly held numerous meetings in the last few months at an expensive hotel located along the boundary of Nairobi and Kiambu counties.

The two PSs in the mix reportedly serve in strategic ministries, while the sitting governor,  who chairs the meetings, recently hosted one at his rural home. The three are said to have  strained relations with the DP.

Sources within Moi's party Kanu, said  a Jubilee governor from Rift, two MPs from Nakuru and Baringo counties, and a former governor aspirant from North Rift are also involved.

The businessmen allegedly see Moi as a person who will protect their businesses, as opposed to Ruto, who has identified himself with a new crop of young businessmen who have amassed wealth and grabbed major government tenders at their expense.

Tiaty MP William Kamket, a close ally of senator Moi, said the party will front its leader for Presidency in 2022.

"Kanu did not have a presidential candidate in the last three elections — 2007, 2013 and 2017 — but will have a candidate in 2022 and that is none other than Gideon Moi," Kamket told the Star.

He added: "It is good for Kenyans to know that we have started the formation. We have approached our friends and they are equally preparing the ground for a Gideon presidency. He has an equal chance. There is no defending champion, it is an open contest as the two protagonists (Raila and Uhuru) are retiring."

"The proverbial night of the long knives is here with us. All the toes he has stepped on and the people who have been mistreated are regrouping. He was being fattened and the day is around the corner," Kamket said.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat said the party is preparing for 2022 duel. "Kanu is not sleeping that is why already our friends on the other side are in panic mode. We are yet to formally announce that we will field a presidential candidate but you can see how they are popularising our party and Gideon," Salat said, adding that several MPs from both Jubilee and Nasa have expressed the support for Moi.

"Many people are ready to walk with us along this journey, they are meeting to share ideas, just watch the space you will soon see major developments," he added.