Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke has advised Deputy President William Ruto to shelve his presidential ambitions and support Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chief Raila Odinga.
Speaking at Sinoko PEFA church at the weekend, Waluke said Ruto was still young and can wait until Raila finishes his term.
Waluke said the DP, who is 55, was still young and could wait until Odinga, 77, completes two five-year terms before contesting the country’s top seat.
The lawmaker who has been a staunch supporter of the DP, last month defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and rejoined Jubilee.
“The Deputy President is still young and can wait until Raila is done with his term and he will be elected,’’ said the MP.
Waluke and his business partner Grace Wakhungu were in September 2020 released on Sh10 million and Sh20 million cash bail, respectively, after spending three months in jail for theft.
The two were imprisoned on June 22, 2020 by an anti-corruption court after being found guilty of fraud and illegal acquisition of Sh297 million through shady deals at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
He also asked Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka to go for a higher seat instead of seeking to recapture the Bungoma governorship which he held between 2013 and 2017.
“National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi is negotiating to be a running mate. Why is Lusaka not doing the same?’’ he posed.
He urged Bungoma residents to reject Lusaka’s candidature and instead re-elected Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
The MP said that he had brought development that could be seen by voters.
“Let no one deceive you, Wangamati and Lusaka’s development records are like day and night. Let’s make a wise decision and re-elect Wangamati,” he said.