Offer alternative solution to terrorism, Ruto tells CORD

DP William Ruto: The construction of the wall on the Kenya-Somalia border is unstoppable in the war against insecurity.

Deputy President William Ruto has told the Opposition to give an alternative solution to terrorism instead of criticising efforts by the Government to containing it.

Mr Ruto faulted the Opposition for not offering an alternative solution to the problem of insecurity.

He said it was unfair for the Opposition to continue accusing the Government of the measures it was taking to curb terrorism among other criminal activities without giving alternative solutions to such problems.

Speaking during a funds-drive in aid of Marani Catholic Church in Kisii County after the Sunday sermon, the Deputy President took issue with the manner in which the Opposition was criticising efforts to construct a wall on Kenya’s border with Somalia in the fight against terrorism.

The Deputy President said the construction of the wall on the Kenya-Somalia border was unstoppable in the war against insecurity occasioned by terrorism activities.

“Terrorists have been demanding that our security in Somalia be withdrawn. Now some leaders are joining hands with the terrorists in calling for the withdrawal of the officers.

“What kind of leadership are we showing if we support terrorists to withdraw our security from Somalia so that they can take part of our land? I want to make it clear that we are not withdrawing our security from Somalia or cede even an inch of our land to terrorists,” said Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President was accompanied by, among others, MPs Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu North), Zebedeo Obore ( Konchare), Stephen Manoti (Bobasi), Joel Onyancha (Borabu), Momaima Onyonka (Kitutu Chache), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache), Kabando wa Kabando (Mukurweini) and Governor James Ongwae (Kisii).

He said leaders should support the Government in the war against terrorism, which is a global problem instead of politicising issues of security.

The Deputy President said the Opposition should not accuse the Government over the tendering process as far as the construction of the wall from Mandera to Kiunga was concerned saying security of Kenyans was important than who was awarded tender to carry the construction work.

“When we think about the security of the people as Government, some leaders are thinking about their businesses for their selfish gains,” said Mr Ruto.

“The Opposition has no basis to criticise the measures we are taking to improve security in this country. In fact we are correcting their messes as far as security issues are concerned,” added the Deputy President.

“It is shocking that some leaders are talking the same language with terrorists as if they have become Al Shabaab's political wing,” said Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President said the Government was firm, committed and decided on matters of security saying there would be a paradigm shift as far as security issues were concerned.

“In fact the President is out of the country to join hands with other world leaders in exploring ways of confronting the challenge caused by terrorism,” added the Deputy President.

And while addressing wananchi at Keroka town on his way to Nyaribari Masaba for a funds-drive for 150 churches, the Deputy President assured the gathering that the Jubilee administration will serve all Kenyans irrespective of political and ethnic backgrounds.

“I want to assure you that we will serve all Kenyans irrespective of how they voted during the last election because it is our duty to do so,” said Mr Ruto.

Saying differences of political parties should not be a stumbling block to development, the Deputy President told leaders that they were elected to serve the people and not to engage in politics of division.

The Deputy President said plans were underway to ensure reduction of power so as to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.

“In the next few months, the cost of connecting electricity will be reduced from Sh 35,000 to Sh 15,000 to enable as many Kenyans as possible to get access to electricity,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President also met with MCAs in Kisii town.

The MPs vowed to support the Government in the fight against terrorism among other criminal activities saying development would be elusive without peace.

Governor Ongwae said the county governments would work closely with the national government in protecting the lives and property of Kenyans.

“We have resolved as leaders to support efforts by the Government to relocate the Dadaab refugee camp from Kenya to Somalia because it has become training ground of terrorists,” said Mr Onyonka.

Mr Angwenyi said the Jubilee administration has demonstrated that it was serious in solving the problems facing Kenyans adding that leaders in Kisii have resolved to rally behind it for the sake of development.