'DP Ruto needs time to mature, he is excited’: Sabina Chege on why she’s backing Raila

Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege has opened up about her support for Raila Odinga’s presidential bid as opposed to that of Deputy President William Ruto.

Despite the two perceived frontrunners in the race to State House both having successful political careers in their own right, Chege insists that the pair are very different in the ways they think, politically.

"Raila is experienced. Nothing excites him. He has gone through pain and suffering. His desire is to see what he fought for and believes in come to fruition. Raila is sincere, composed and reliable. Kenyans will be safe in his hands," Chege told the Nation newspaper.

Odinga's unwavering resolve to put the affairs of Kenyans before his own person ambitions, Chege said, influenced her decision to support the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party presidential flag bearer. 

She went on to say that despite being a go-getter, DP Ruto is impatient and this, she opines, will likely come to haunt him in future.

According to Chege, it was the DP's impatience that made him sever ties with President Uhuru Kenyatta following the handshake between the Head of State and Odinga in March 2018.

The DP, Chege says, would have had a better chance of succeeding President Kenyatta if he took time to understand the bigger picture behind the coming together of President Kenyatta and Odinga. 

"The DP is aggressive. We don't know if he will decide to change the constitution and stay in power forever. He is selfish and one sees bitterness in him. He is impatient. For him it is either his way or the highway," she said. 

"He had a chance to grow and take over the next government but he was impatient. The DP needs time to mature. He is excites and surrounded by young people who are pushing him."

Despite ceding that DP Ruto has endeared himself more to the people of Mt. Kenya than Odinga, Chege is confident that the former premier will bridge the gap before the August polls.  

"We are becoming stronger by the day. Our opinion polls show where we are not doing well. For now, Raila is at 30 per cent,” she said.

“In the next 90 days, he will be at 45 per cent. It is a journey I am ready to take. The Raila who has been demonised in our region will lead this country.”