Jubilee won’t allow direct nomination in 2022, says Ruto

Douglas Dindi and DPPS

There will be no automatic candidates for any seat in Jubilee Party in 2022, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Ruto said the party was founded on democracy and, therefore, candidates running for various seats would be subjected to free and fair nominations.

Speaking at the home of former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale in Malinya, Kakamega yesterday, to console him and the family following the death of his first wife, Adelaide, Ruto said it is the responsibility of voters to elect leaders without interference.

“We embrace democracy and respect the will of the people. We will all compete for different positions in the nominations. There will be no direct ticket in Jubilee Party in all the seats,” said  Ruto.

The Deputy President, at the same time, said the party would next year hold grassroots elections.

“We are going to have grassroots elections next year to have men and women competent to manage the affairs of our party,” said  Ruto.

On church donations, Ruto praised the Catholic Church for coming up with a strategy on how to conduct harambees in their places of worship.

 “Those who have been complaining about church donations have now been given options on how to present their donations. They can give cash, pay through MPesa, cheques among other ways,” he said.

Pledge support

MPs Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) who had accompanied the DP pledged their support for his 2022 presidential bid.

Meanwhile, Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi yesterday told politicians to stop sending emissaries to dissuade him to drop his presidential bid as only  God can stop him from contesting the 2022 presidential race.

Mudavadi who was responding to former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, said he was focused on winning the presidency and thus will not play second fiddle to anyone come 2022.

 Khalwale had said Mudavadi was only bidding his time before declaring his support for Deputy President William Ruto.

Mudavadi made the remarks at the Masinde Muliro University grounds on his way to attend a requiem mass for Khalwale’s wife.

Khalwale who ditched Ford-K to join the DP’s Jubilee’ wing told mourners that he stands for a united Luhya, and was initially willing to back a Luhya candidate but was persuaded to support Ruto because it was the most viable.