With 168 days left to the highly anticipated August 9 General Election, political analyst Herman Manyora holds Deputy President William Ruto has little chance of becoming the next Kenyan president.
Speaking on Citizen TV morning program on Monday, February 21, Manyora disputed the recent opinion polls placing DP Ruto ahead of the ODM leader Raila Odinga in the race to succeed President Uhuru.
“In my all honest opinion, (Willaim) Ruto is the farthest candidate to the presidency this year, the game is just starting I do not see under which arrangement Ruto can win this presidency,” Manyora said.
Manyora opined that President Uhuru will play a crucial role in shaping the political direction of Mt Kenya, making it even harder for DP Ruto.
Manyora’s comments come after polls released on Thursday, February 17, showed that Raila Odinga is likely to lose the August presidential elections.
According to an opinion by TIFA, Deputy President William Ruto is the most preferred presidential candidate among Kenyans at 38 percent with Raila having a popularity rating of 27 percent.
On the choice of a presidential running mate, the political analyst said that both DP Ruto and the ODM leader Raila Odinga have no option but to pick their number two from the Mt Kenya region.
“You are looking at the role Mt Kenya is playing in both camps and you are beginning to accept suddenly that it will be suicide to take a running mate whether you are Raila OR Ruto from outside Mt. Kenya,” Manyora said.
While commenting on the possibility of Tharaka Nthi Senator Kithika Kindiki becoming DP Ruto’s running mate, Manyora said such a move will work against Ruto’s presidential quest.
“To go and get somebody from Mt Kenya East, is to open Mt. Kenya West to attack by President Uhuru, you make it worst by going to Tharaka Nithi,” the analyst said.
