DP William Ruto and his Tanga Tanga brigade are gaining sympathy in the villages.
A survey by Hot News in Counties in Western Kenya and Rift Valley show that despite his predicaments after he fell out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto is the front runner if elections are called today.
Hot News interviewed several residents from the remote villages in the regions.
Most villagers said President Uhuru Kenyatta has betrayed DP William Ruto by sacking his allies from government.
Last week, President Uhuru called a Jubilee Meeting of all Senators at State House Nairobi which saw Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen ousted from his seat and replaced by West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio.
Murkomen is a staunch supporter of DP William Ruto.
Others who were ousted are Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika as the Majority Chief Whip and replaced by Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata.
Kang’ata is being deputized by Wajir nominated Senator Farhiya Ali Haji.
“The President who is also the Party Leader of the Jubilee Coalition said he looks forward to working closely with the new Senate Leadership in delivering services to Kenyans. “read a statement from State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena.
During the Interviews residents of Ziwa, Soy Constituency which formed part of the former larger Eldoret North Constituency where the DP was MP for many years said they back Ruto and want President Uhuru to support him in 2022.
“Ruto has stood with Uhuru since he Uhuru joined politics. He was instrumental in Uhuru’s win. Its time Uhuru should also support him. Uhuru should stop humiliating Ruto,” said resident Mark Kipsang.
Other residents said they are disappointed with the way the DP has been treated by the President.
In Western Kenya, Bungoma County Kabuchai constituency, residents said they do not want Uhuru to extend his term beyond 2022.
“They maybe shocked if they take us to the BBI. Some of us do not like Ruto but that should not be an excuse to extend Uhuru’s reign. We will reject the BBI to their shame,” said Martin Simiyu from Sikulu in Kabuchai Constituency.
Several other residents said the BBI will not heal the political divisions that have been created by isolating Ruto allies.
“We need an inclusive government. However, Raila joined the government and this led to sidelining of Ruto and his allies. This is bad for the Country,” said Mzee Justo Wekulo from Kimini Constituency in Trans Nzoia.
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