DP Ruto: Jubilee pre-election pledges on course despite 'party noises'

Some of the leaders who accompanied Deputy President William Ruto give their speeches at Kangaita Catholic Church in Kirinyaga Central Sub-county. [Munene Kamau, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has said that Jubilee administration is still focused on fulfilling its pre-election pledges despite the ongoing political wrangles within its ranks.

He cited the high number of families connected to power in the country and in Kirinyaga county as a clear indication that the government was working, adding that the number has risen since 2013.

“As of today 85,000 households in this county are all connected to power while Sh900 million has been set aside during this financial year to supply electricity to 20,000 more residents,” Ruto said.

Speaking at Kangaita Catholic Church in Kirinyaga Central Sub-county during a fundraiser in aid of a church today, Ruto said the government has started tarmacking most roads in the area which when completed will open the county and link it to agricultural product markets.

“We are also putting up a Sh1.5 billion water system that will alleviate the perennial water shortage in the county and at the same time we have embarked on a Sh700 million sewerage system that will serve both Kerugoya and Kutus towns,” he said.

At the same time, Ruto warned those questioning his generous donations to the church, saying they are fighting God.

“Those trying to sneak a Bill to Parliament to limit the church donations are on a collision course with God and were calling for their downfall,” he said.

“These guys are unknowingly against the Bible by seeking to limit the amount one should offer yet all that we own is God-given and the more we give, the more we receive.”

The Deputy President said the government is also keen on technical training for the youth to build, over the years, a formidable skilled workforce that will take the country to the next level as it gears towards improving the living standards of the people.

“We as a government have even gone the extra mile to award Sh30,000 bursary for every student to guard against any poor parent not to have an excuse for not enrolling the children to Technical Institutions.

Ruto was accompanied by a host of MPs from Mt Kenya region, Nairobi, Machakos and the Rift Valley.

Also present were area MCAs who claimed they had been ordered to boycott the ceremony but defied.

Led by Nominated MCA Caroline Wanjiku, the ward reps said they were principled and not ready to be dictated by an individual.