My State position is firm, DP reiterates

Deputy President William Ruto with African Divine Church Archbishop John Chabuga in Vihiga on June 23, 2019. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has said that his authority as Kenya’s second in command remains firm.

The DP who spoke at a funds drive in North Mugirango dismissed critics who claim his position in government is weakened.

He particularly cited Opposition chief Raila Odinga who he said has never supported development projects.

“He opposes everything the Government wants to implement. He opposed dam projects, Euro bond, fundraising activities, church offerings and even plans to help poor youth rise above their positions. What are his intentions?” Ruto posed.

The DP was accompanied by Gusii Parliamentary Caucus Chairman and North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Oroo Oyioka (Bonchari), Alfa Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), innocent Obiri (Bobasi), Ezekiel Machogu (Nyaribari Masaba), Jonah Mburu (Lari), Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) and Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi.

Absent officials

Eyebrows were, however, raised on the absence of all county provincial administrators, with only junior officers present at the function.

Mr Maangi led the eight Members of the National Assembly from Kisii and Nyamira counties in making the “Rigoma Declaration” in which they resolved to back Ruto in 2022.

Maangi said the community had decided to back the DP because he had shown he had its interests at heart.

“We are here to assure the deputy president that the Gusii Community is solidly behind him in 2022,’’ said Maangi.

Mr Osoro told the community that they should not be cheated that they can produce a formidable presidential candidate in 2022.

“Currently our brother Fred Matiang’i is holding the third most powerful position in government. He should serve our community’s interests first before thinking of vying for the presidency,” said Osoro.

Bomachoge Chache MP Alpha Miruka, Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu, Kitutu Masaba MP Shadrach Mose, West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi and Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri pledged to rally behind Ruto’s bid for Presidency in 2022.

Lari MP Jonah Mburu who accompanied the Ruto said Mt Kenya residents were behind him because of his good development record.