The question of whether Deputy President William Ruto’s name being in the ballot on August 9, is no longer an if.
The DP has indicated that twice he has shelved his presidential ambition, and this time round he must end up in the ballot, and with a win.
Speaking during the Unided Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Delegates Conference on March 15, Ruto narrated the trajectory of his leadership growth, saying he is ready for the presidential challenge.
He said in 2007, he faced the presidential race for the first time but lost at the party primaries, and supported the party’s choice.
Again in 2013, he had his presidential ambition deferred after the party merged, with others to form a coalition.
“In the interest of coalition building and broader strategic interest, I deferred my bid and once again gave my all in successfully delivering the presidency and a parliamentary majority,” said Ruto.
“Today, I know without any shadow of doubt that the time has come to represent the hustler nation. The time has come to go all the way to the finish line and secure the place of the hustler nation at the decision making table,” said Ruto.
“I have been engaged in political leadership and associated activities since my university days. Obviously, I did not have the opportunity those days to seek for presidential nomination,” said Ruto.
Political journey
Ruto said he worked his way through the ladder to become a Member of Parliament at the age of 31, Assistant Minister at the age of 33, and a Minister at the age of 36.
He became an opposition Member of Parliament at the age of 37.
He said this growth has made him refine his leadership philosophy.
Ruto said through this journey, he has learn
Ruto pledged a mouthwatering campaign and a huge win for the party and the people of Kenya.
This utterance clearly shows that the other coalition parties in the Kenya Kwanza have to settle for other positions ahead of the polls.