I’ll Retire from Politics if DP William Ruto Becomes President in 2022, Says Duale

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale says he will retire from politics if Deputy President William Ruto becomes President in 2022.

In an interview with Citizen TV, Duale denied claims that he has withdrawn his support for Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid, exuding confidence that the DP will succeed President Kenyatta.

Duale’s decision to endorse the push for a referendum to introduce changes to the Constitution was translated to mean that he had ditched Ruto’s camp. 

“I have said in the past, if William Ruto becomes President, I will retire from politics. I can even serve as a clerk in State House,” said Duale.

“DP Ruto is not the kind of person you abandon. He is a strong politician. I will support him in 2022. We have one party leader- Uhuru Kenyatta. Jubilee is united. The President and his deputy are united. Jubilee will go into the next election more united than it was in 2017,” he added.

The Garissa Township MP further stated that the race for presidency will be between Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

“In every election there are jokers. In 2022, it will be a two-horse race. The rest are donkeys. I can tell you for free. The presidential contest in 2022 will be between two people- William Ruto and Raila Odinga. I will be backing William Ruto,” said Duale.

Duale categorically pointed out that he is opposed to the expansion of the executive arm of the government but would support the parliamentary system of government and advocate for an official role of the leader of the opposition.

“The leader of Opposition should have been given the status and resources that are equivalent to him in the National Assembly and the Senate where he can rally his troops and hold gov’t to account. The 2010 constitution lacks that. My position, as an individual and as a patron of the pastoralists Parliamentary group, is that we will support a Parliamentary system of government,” he said.