Deputy President William Ruto interacting with residents of Laare Town, Igembe North Constituency, Meru County. [Jonah Mwangi, DPPS]

Deputy President William Ruto has derided his political rivals as dishonest leaders who can’t be entrusted with the country’s leadership.

Speaking on the second day of his visit to Meru County, he described ODM leader Raila Odinga as ‘thankless to his friends’, saying Raila turned against him after the 2007 elections and wanted him and President Uhuru Kenyatta jailed for the violence that erupted.

Ruto said Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had also celebrated their troubles with the International Criminal Court, which he viewed as clearing his path to the presidency.

The deputy president described Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi as an “opportunist waiting for an endorsement to inherit the top seat.”

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“Our rivals in 2017 have invaded our house to pose as our greatest friends. They have laid an elaborate plan to finish me but I also have my plans,” Ruto said in Igembe North, Tigania West.

Speaking at Gitimbene in Meru town, the DP said, “On the contrary, you know I am a go-getter. I don’t wait for paths to be cleared for me; I go out and get it. There will be fireworks. This will be a very difficult race but my main rival is Raila. The rest are pure opportunists.”

The deputy president, who was hosted by Senator Mithika Linturi, was accompanied by MPs John Mutunga (Tigania West), Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Kubai Kiringo (Igembe Central), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Patrick Munene (Igambang’ombe) and Tharaka Woman Rep Beatrice Nkatha.

Ruto said a United Democratic Alliance government would address the problem of joblessness among young people by creating an enabling business environment and employment opportunities in small and medium enterprises.

Deputy President William Ruto addressing wananchi at Meru town. [DPPS]

“We want to see the youth as the solution rather than the problem of Kenya,” he said.

Ruto steered clear of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) but his allies urged residents to reject it if goes to a referendum.

The DP will today attend the consecration of a new Methodist bishop in Meru town and host more campaign meetings.