Ruto: I’ll not engage in war of words with my political rivals

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Deputy President William Ruto addresses Seventh Day Adventist Church congregation at Gusii stadium in Kisii County. (Sammy Omingo, Standard)

Deputy President William Ruto has downplayed the political wars between him and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying he will no longer engage those attacking him.

This came barely 24 hours after President Uhuru Kenyatta told off those saying his historic handshake with Raila was a political move premised upon the 2022 succession politics.

Speaking in Kisii yesterday when he donated Sh10 million to the South Kenya Seventh Day Adventist Church conference, the DP said he was no longer interested in the war of words.

Ruto said recent attacks against him over his alleged failure to fight corruption were being driven by political witch-hunt meant to distract him.

Clamp down on dissent

“Once am done with my politics I will go back to evangelism. I have come a long way because of God’s mercies. Those planning for my fall will not make it. Were it not for God, we would have not made it,” he said at the at the Gusii stadium.

Pundits believe the DP’s remarks may have been triggered by the President’s attempt to clamp down on dissent and whip Jubilee Party members in the run-up to his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

Ruto said the difference between him and those planning to scuttle his political bid was the God they worship. “I worship a true God and will continue assisting the needy and the church.”

The DP announced that plans were at an advanced stage for the launch of Bonyunyu Dam in Nyamira County. He said they will commission it with the President.

He said 22,000 households will be connected to electricity in the current financial year which will cost taxpayers close to Sh1.1 billion.

Ruto thanked the Seventh Day Church for their role in promoting education and health.

South Mugirango MP Slyvanous Osoro said they will not allow Parliament to be sucked into political battles.

He said the alleged impeachment motion against the DP was ill advised.