Ruto: I can invite whoever I want to State House

President William Ruto alongside his deputy Kithure Kindiki dancing at an Akorino Israel thanksgiving service, State House, Nairobi. [PCS]

President William Ruto has told off critics concerned with the State House visits, saying he is in charge and is at liberty to invite Kenyans from all walks of life.

Ruto said yesterday that he will not be intimidated by anyone to stop his frequent invites to different people, even as he hosted thousands of Akorino Israel members for a Sunday thanksgiving service.

The President condemned attempts to isolate certain people, and especially the Akorino, saying that all Kenyans have equal rights and will continue with his agenda to unite Kenyans, despite their backgrounds.

He defended the Akorino against claims of greed from a section of leaders.

“We want to walk together. Unity is very important and so when we come together, it will be easier to help each other and we can uplift the Akorino. Sixty years since independence, it is the first time that the Akorino are coming to State House because they were previously disregarded… and now, they are in State House today (Sunday). No one will divide you again,” Ruto affirmed. 

The President made the remarks as he outlined a list of goodies, including constructing a technical college to empower the Akorino, 50 slots for Akorino teachers during recruitment, more jobs in the civil service, Sh50 million to their registered Saccos, among others.

President William Ruto greeting Akorino members at the Akorino Israel thanksgiving service, State House, Nairobi. [PCS]

“Next month, we have an internship programme and will tell the public service to ensure children from Akorino are among those who are onboarded,” he said.

He also said that the six acres of land Ruai, which they sought, was granted and is now valued at Sh150 million, complete with a title deed, even as the Akorino leaders pledged their support for Ruto’s Government.

“You have proposed 10 SACCOs, and we will give each of them Sh5 million, bringing the total to Sh50 million. In addition, the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will lead a fundraiser to mobilise additional resources,” he said.

The Akorino leaders had a long list of grievances, saying that they had never had a chance to visit the State House to voice their concerns.

Ruto made the remarks in response to former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who earlier yesterday claimed that the Akorino have joined a long list of traitors.

“You have this morning summoned members of the Akorino to State House to pray for you and sanctify you for profiling and persecuting our community.  For the Akorino going to State House, please speak for your stomachs, not us. You join the long list of traitors who have turned against their own to fill their stomachs. Some Sh100 million has been prepared for you,” said Gachagua.

But Ruto said that the worst form of betrayal by leadership against the country is dividing people along tribal or religious lines and then insulting them.

He reiterated his intention to unite all communities, saying that the State House does not belong only to the wealthy and insisted there is a chance for everyone to be in his Government.

“If we want to be a blessed nation, we must build for unity. I will do the job of uniting. I have been to all parts of the country and for those who want to divide us along tribal lines, we will shame you. They will not succeed. Some people do not know that the journey for Akorino and us started long ago, before I got to the State House.’’