Deputy President William Ruto claimed yesterday that he is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sole true friend and questioned why the president was supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga’s campaign.
The DP, speaking in Murang’a town, stated that unlike the ODM boss, who campaigned to deny him the office, he stood by the President in his hour of need.
“Did Raila stand with Uhuru on that day when he was searching for a buddy to stand with him, when he had Hague troubles and when he was looking for the presidency?” he said.
In both the 2013 and 2017 general elections, Raila was Uhuru’s principal opponent.
“I’d want to remind the President that I stood by your side when you were in need,” “In the heart of Murang’a town, Ruto told the throng.
The UDA presidential candidate questioned why his boss chose to endorse Raila, who ran against him in past elections, rather than one of the Jubilee members to succeed him.
“I have a question. But it’s all right,” the DP said.
The DP advised the President not to plot against him, but rather to remain neutral and let him fight Raila for the State House.
The DP presented the question, “Why should the president plot against me?” as he pleaded with the Jubilee chief to keep off the battlefield.
“Even if you don’t want to help me, why don’t you just leave me with this Kitendawili man (Raila), with whom I’m fighting?” he stated
“With all due respect, President, I beg you to just just sit aside.” Leave Raila and myself alone. He answered, “We’ll be done with him early in the morning.”
Ruto took a jab at Raila, accusing him of shaking up the government, wrecking the Jubilee party, and stifling the Big Four agenda through the handshake.
The President and Raila have both refuted the DP’s claim that the handshake halted government programs.
According to the President, the handshake resulted in “huge progress” for his government.
In Murang’a, the DP called for six-piece suit voting as he promoted his bottom-up economic model, which he claimed would turn the country’s fortunes around.
Musalia Mudavadi, the ANC leader who accompanied the DP along with numerous MPs, warned the President against ‘lowering his standing’ by campaigning for Raila.
“Kenyans elected you to be Kenya’s President, not Raila’s campaign manager.” Mudavadi stated, “You are diminishing your status.”
Earlier, the DP visited a service at the ACK St James Cathedral in Murang’a town, where he reaffirmed his support for the church, despite the fact that several leaders have attacked him over it.
Ruto stated that the church and other religious communities have played an important role in the government’s functioning and that the country would not have progressed as far without their help.
“As Vice President, I can attest that without God, all that the administration has accomplished under the leadership of the President would have been unthinkable.” He stated, “We are the greatest benefactors of your prayers.”
Ruto stated that he will not be deterred from supporting the church, promising believers that the country will remain a God-fearing nation.
“Those who are making a racket against us are merely politicians looking for votes, and they will not be able to stop us.” He remarked, “We appreciate the relationship you provide us.”
The DP’s comments appeared to be in response to his boss’s previous criticism of the clergy for receiving donations that he claimed were obtained through bribery.
He stated that the country must embrace the saving culture, which he claims has led to the country’s indebtedness.
He referenced the fact that China saves around 55% of its GDP, whereas Kenyans save barely 7% of their GDP.
Uhuru claimed some of the money contributed in church was meant to fund dams that would have delivered water to Kenyans while speaking to leaders from the Mt Kenya area at the Sagana State Lodge.
Mudavadi urged the clergy to continue praying for free and fair elections in the country, emphasizing that the ballots must reflect the people’s wishes.
“However, correct us when we make a mistake.” Reach out to us and give us advice so that we can do and say the correct thing,” he urged.
MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), and Moses Kuria accompanied them (Gatundu South).
Alice Wahome (Kandara), Mary Waithera (Maragua), Murang’a senator Irungu Kang’ata, and Kiambu governor-elect William Kabogo were among the others.
