William Ruto asks Raila to stop blackmail as he kicks off campaigns in Turkana

Deputy President William Ruto addressing a rally at Loiyangalani Trading Centre, Laisamis, Marsabit County. [DPPS, Standard]

Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto began his two-day campaigns in Turkana yesterday, where he told Azimio la Umoja flag-bearer Raila Odinga to stop blackmailing the electoral commission.

The Deputy President and his brigade said Mr Odinga had run out of ideas and had resorted to threats.

“Look for an agenda to sell to Kenyans and stop the threats. Kenyans are clever and have the capacity to decide who to vote for. This country will not be run by blackmail and threats,” said Dr Ruto.

The DP said Mr Odinga had perfected the art of threatening government institutions and agencies every electioneering period.

“Nobody will be a leader by forcing others or threatening to cause conflicts. No single Kenyan has the authority and power to threaten another Kenyan and the rest of the country,” he said.

Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula recalled that in the 2017 General Election, the Azimio flag-bearer was pushing for an electronic voters register but is now threatening to boycott elections on account of a manual register.

Mr Wetang’ula, who dared Mr Odinga to skip the elections, urged Kenya Kwanza supporters to protect the vote on August 9 to ensure that their coalition ascends to power.

The DP, who was accompanied by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and Turkana UDA governor candidate John Lodepe, addressed rallies in Turkana East and Lokichar, Turkana South.

Dr Ruto and his team said Kenya Kwanza would implement priority projects that were spelt out in a pact signed with the region last month.

They include the construction of a dam on the Turkwel River to spur irrigation and food production in areas along the water source.

The DP said he was instrumental in the construction of the Kainuk-South Sudan border highway which, he said, had opened up Turkana for business.

“All projects that will be established in Turkana are included in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto after the signing in Lodwar. Among the priority projects is the construction of a dam on the Turkwel River for our people to start growing food,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President lamented the frequent banditry-related attacks along the Kerio Valley belt which stretches from Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, parts of Samburu to Turkana, a region that has a huge potential for food production.

“We will work to help every farmer access affordable seeds and fertiliser. We also recognise that every job is important to us. The problems faced by small-scale business operators must be addressed. We will set up a Sh50 billion fund to help small businesses,” he added.

He said if he wins the presidency on August 9, he would restore peace along the Kerio Valley belt and the North Rift region, to give room for water and agricultural projects to take off.

Dr Ruto castigated the Azimio camp for ignoring the interests of small businesses, boda boda operators, mitumba dealers and ordinary Kenyans.

“In our manifesto, we recognise that we have about five million young people without jobs. We have plans to revive leather, textile, manufacturing and agriculture industries with Sh250 billion allocations,” he said.

He added, “We shall set up a leather industry here in Turkana, and we will use leather from camel and cattle, and this will provide jobs for our people while reducing the importation of shoes.” Mr Wetang’ula on his part noted that Turkana county was rich with minerals that should be used for the people’s benefit.