Ruto promises economic revolution come next year

DP William Ruto (right) says no one can stop him from the race for State House. [DPPS]

Deputy President William Ruto has promised an economic revolution in 2022 and exuded confidence that he will win the polls.

He said for years, Kenyans have waited for change to come from the top but they have remained poor, saying he would now bring the revolution they deserved.

“The next elections will be about economic revolution and nothing else. I am out to help the masses get out of poverty after years of hopelessness. The economic revolution has started from the bottom this time,” he said.

Speaking during a campaign in Jomvu and Changamwe sub-counties yesterday, Ruto said it was a waste of time for anyone to try to scare him into abandoning the presidential race.

He said no one can stop him from the race for State House and told his competitors to prepare for a tough battle next year.

“Nobody can scare me into abandoning the presidential race. My competitors should prepare to face me at the ballot,” he said.

Ruto will today meet about 700 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants from across the Coast region at the Wild Waters Centre amid divisions among politicians in his team, particularly in Mombasa and Taita Taveta counties.

In Taita Taveta County, former Senator Dan Mwazo and lawyer Stephen Mwakesi, who are among the key allies of the DP, last Thursday, skipped his meeting over who should be the spokesperson for his camp.

Mwazo and Mwakesi are both eyeing the gubernatorial seat. Those who accompanied the DP in the county included County Woman Representative Lydia Haika.

In Mombasa County, vocal Mvita politician, Mr Mohamed Tenge said he has been sidelined by some politicians, who have been controlling affairs of the party in Mombasa even as former Senator Hassan Omar positions himself as the UDA point man in the county.

Former Senator Hassan Omar. [File, Standard]

Yesterday, Ruto promised to start a special fund in every constituency that will provide soft loans to small and medium businesses to help them create wealth.

According to the DP, every constituency will have a Sh120 million fund to cushion traders against shylocks and online lenders, who reportedly threaten the growth of businesses.

“When you elect me as president in next year’s general election, I will allocate Sh120 million in a special constituency fund to help small and medium traders grow their businesses. They will not be harassed by shylocks,”  said Ruto.

He also pledged to create employment for the four million unemployed youths with certificates, diplomas and degrees so that they can also contribute to economic development.

“I will create employment for skilled youths with certificates, diplomas and degrees if I form the next government ,” said Ruto.

The DP claimed that unemployment was to blame for widespread crime and drug abuse across the country and promised to tackle the menace immediately he wins next year.

“Widespread crime and drug abuse among the youths in the country have been caused by lack of employment which will be addressed by my government in 2022,” said Ruto.

Ruto, who was accompanied by local leaders also pledged to ensure Mombasa residents get water at their doorsteps.