They need Ruto's UDA to win. Ruto has the grassroot support. It's better to run as independent - but to start with party associated with Raila - that will be starting at -70 percent is ultimate stupidity in Mt kenya.
The rules of game have changed with Azimio Act of parliament. I think once you lose nomination - that ultimately produce a lot of bitter folks - you cannot run to another party.
Ruto biggest headache remain how to run a semblance of nomination - without the resources of IEBCs - and he is solving the big ones now - that makes him smart.
2007 was Murathe mess - Ruto went to do a clean up after the walevi had totally messed up - Ruto didnt sleep for 3 days - he was sleeping in Jubilee house - they had to start from the scratch - get ballot papers printed - delivered - name it.
In Kalenjin land - nomination will be brutal - but 99 percent will have to accept the verdict. Kulia is waste of time.
Moses Kuria and Kiunjuri were right... after Jubilee 2017 mlolongo noone should trust Ruto & UDA. Expect most Mt Kenya aspirants to stick to Jubilee, TSP, CCK, Narc Kenya, etc.