Why they don't want my conversations- Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has blamed the resistance he is facing in selling his "hustler" narrative to people opposed to eradication of poverty.

Ruto, who spoke at a church event at Kenol, Kandara Constituency in Murang'a, said some leaders were uncomfortable with his ongoing conversation on youth empowerment and had resorted to using violence to divert attention of Kenyans from important issues. "All these problems are a creation of those who are opposed to eradication of poverty. It is time to talk about empowerment of ordinary Kenyans," he said.

MPs who accompanied the DP blamed police and hired goons for violence that preceded the event. "I am saddened that the Jubilee government we voted for and put some of us to power is using violence in church," said Naomi Wako (nominated).

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua asked President Uhuru Kenyatta not to allow civil servants to tarnish the DP's reputation and legacy. "We want to tell Kenyatta to reconsider the value some civil servants add to his government,” he said.

Alice Wahome (Kandara) warned that the country was sliding back to the dark days characterised by violence and intimidation. 

Other MPs present at the function were Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Kimani Ichung'wa (Kikuyu), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East).

Additional reporting by DPPS