DP Ruto: Stop the endless politicking

Deputy President William Ruto comforts mama Bilia Jipcho, widow of athlete Ben Jipcho who was laid to rest in Trans Nzoia County yesterday. [Peter Ochieng', Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has asked political leaders to stop early campaigns and dividing Kenyans on tribal lines.

Speaking during the burial of athlete Ben Jipcho in Trans-Nzoia County, the DP said it is wrong for some leaders to put the country on an election mood yet the polls are far away.

Instead, Dr Ruto challenged political leaders to concentrate on delivering services to Kenyans to grow the economy.

"Some people have put the country in an election mood when the polls are two years away. This is not politicking time but time for elected leaders to deliver services to Kenyans," he said.

He said a section of the political class has started to divide Kenyans as they gear up for their 2022 political quests at the expense of the economy.

"Stop the ball. It is not yet time to play or talk about succession politics. We have more than two years before another election,’’ he said.

Speaking later in Nandi during the burial of Aldai constituency Corneli Serem's Mother, Hellena Cherop Serem, Ruto weighed in on the debate on sharing of revenue by counties.

"Senators should handle this matter in sober manner. I know development is a core value for all but you should be concerned about marginalised counties," he said.

Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei who supported the government fronted formula in Senate, blasted a section of Jubilee members for hindering development in counties.

"Getting money according to the population is a win-win parameter for each county," he said.