Ruto steps in to hand ticket to Kwale Senate aspirant
Deputy President William Ruto asked one of the candidates seeking the Kwale senatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance(UDA) party banner to step down from the race.
Mshenga Vuyaa Ruga (pictured), a member of the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) board and one of Ruto’s key allies was set to fight it out with Kasemeni Ward Rep Antony Yama in the UDA primaries.
Speaking at Msambweni Opportunity Centre during a leaders’ meeting, Ruto asked Ruga to pave way for Yama and wait for a nomination after the August polls.
“My friend Mshenga I urge you to step out of the race and let Yama go to the ballot then I personally will give you a nomination position either at the Senate or parliament,” Ruto said.
Ruto said he intervened on Mshenga and Yama’s case because they are only two candidates and it was not necessary for them to go for nominations.
“Mshenga has been my friend and brother for quite some time and I know we can talk and he can listen to me too. Therefore Mshenga just leave that seat for Yama to proceed to the ballot,” he continued.
However, Ruto assured the other candidates going for nominations that the exercise will be free and fair and that there would be no favour for any candidate.
“The others who will go for nominations. Mostly the MCAs and Woman Representatives we assure you that the exercise will be fairly done,” he said.
Mshenga accepted Ruto’s pledge and said that he has officially stepped down from the race and will from now assist Yama in his campaigns for the Senate seat.
“From now on my campaign team and I will work with Yama until we make sure that UDA grabs the Senate seat come August 9 during the General -Election,” Mshenga said.
