Deputy President William Ruto was one of late Daniel Moi’s most trusted lieutenants for a long time.
DP Ruto was the leader of the Youth for Kanu ’92 that used every trick in the book to ensure the late president won the 1992 poll.
But few people know that DP differed sharply with Mzee Moi in 2005 after the two differed over the former’s intention to run for president.
In an interview with Citizen TV’s Waihiga Mwaura recounting his memories with the late president, the DP said his relationship with Moi was shaken after a 2005 meeting in Eldama Ravine where he declared interest to run for the top seat.
“ I had problem with Moi when I declared I wanted to run for president. It was a norm for us to pass by and enjoy a cup of tea with Mzee Moi whenever we were around, but on that day Mzee said he did not want to see us,” said the DP.
However, the DP downplayed claims their relationship went south and never recovered thereafter, painting a situation that leaned more on ideological differences than personal grudge.
He admitted being irked by ensuing Moi’s claims he was misleading the community and that there were more seasoned politicians like the late (Nicholas) Biwott, (Henry) Kosgey and others to lead the community.
“ It became apparent that he (Moi) had a different succession plan for the community,” said Ruto, “ But I wanted to be president of Kenya and not a community leader.”
He however said his relationship with the late president improved later and that’s how the late president endorsed his ticket with Uhuru Kenyatta, popularly known as UhuRuto in the run up to 2013 poll.
The DP however declined to comment about his reported rivalry with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
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