Deputy President William Ruto on Friday held a virtual campaign for Rurii Ward United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Francis Muraya Githaiga.
In a phone call, the DP addressed area residents and drummed up support for the candidate saying he will be the first UDA elected leader from Nyandarua County.
“I thank you for supporting the hustler candidate. Do not forget us during the voting day on May 18,” the DP said amid cheers from the crowd.
Ruto also waded into the ruling that stopped the Building Bridges Initiative referendum Bill saying it was the work of God.
“Do you believe in God? Did you see what God did yesterday (Thursday)?” He asked the crowd.
The seat, that fell vacant following the death of the area MCA John Mburu Wamaria in January, has attracted nine candidates.
The May 18 by-election will be a do-or-die-for governor Francis Kimemia and his avowed political opponents in the county.
Kimemia is backing the Jubilee candidate Peter Thinji while his opponents, led by Woman Representative Faith Gitau, are backing the UDA candidate Francis Muraya.
Should the Jubilee candidate lose, then the ward people will have fired a warning shot to the Governor that 2022 General Election will not be easy for him when he seeks a second term at the helm of the County.
“A loss for Jubilee will be like a vote of no confidence for the Governor,” former Rurii MCA, Wahome Kamoce said.
For Kimemia’s opponents who are supporting UDA candidate, a loss for the party associated with Deputy President William Ruto would mean their chances of recapturing their seats in 2022 will be diminished and the DP could seek for new point men in the County.
The DP is using MPs David Kiaraho (partially), Mwangi Muchira and Faith Gitau as his point people.
Ndaragwa MP, Jeremiah Kioni, Kipipiri Mp, Amos Kimunya who is the leader of Majority in the National assembly and Senator Githiomi are not in DP’s camp.
The DP’s camp showed its interest in Rurii ward during the burial of Wamaria. In addition to contributing fund for the funeral arrangement, many Mps allied the DP including Moses Kuria, Jane Kihara and Rigathi Gachagua attended the burial.
