Ruto to Mt Kenya: Support your own instead of backing Raila

Deputy President William Ruto addressed wananchi at Thika town in Kiambu County on November 13, 2021. [DPPS, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has asked the Mt Kenya region to rally behind one of their own for the presidency instead of supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a tour of Kiambu yesterday, Ruto launched a scathing attack on Raila, saying he was being imposed on the region's people yet they have the power to decide their political destiny.

He argued that given its numerical strength, the Mt Kenya region has the power to unite and propel one of their own to the presidency, even as he positioned himself as a son of the soil.

Ruto cited the 2013 and 2017 elections when Mt Kenya resolved to unite and him and President Uhuru Kenyatta to clinch the presidency.

“Out of the eight million voters in Mt Kenya, you want to tell us that we do not have one among us who we can support to become president to the extent they have to bring us Raila? We should not wait to be given Raila but plan on our own,” said Ruto in Thika.

“I know the people of Kiambu have planned themselves with UDA party and come next year, we are forming government so that we can continue with our planned approach to implementing the big four agenda which had been interrupted by Raila through the handshake,” he added.

Ruto addressed rallies at Ngoliba shopping centre, Gatuanyaga shopping centre, Makongeni Posta, Kiganjo corner 2, ACCS Church, and finally Thika Stadium Roundabout.

The DP also said that should he form the government next year, he would avail easily accessible loans to ensure people do not turn to shylocks.

Political intolerance

“We have 14 million people listed under CRB and that is why we first want to change the economy. We should first create employment opportunities for the youth before creating positions for the powerful such as prime minister slots,” he added.

Leaders allied to the DP hit out at Raila accusing him of perpetrating political intolerance.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa said Raila was behind the stoning of cars in Kisumu during Ruto’s Kondele rally.

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu accused investigative agencies of targeting leaders allied to Ruto, but look the other way whenever those allied to Raila are accused of corruption.

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale castigated Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu for claiming that the money Ruto dishes out during campaigns are proceeds of corruption.