Tharaka Nithi: Jubilee leaders promise to back Ruto, ask for ministerial jobs
A section of leaders, led by Jubilee Party candidate in the just concluded Tharaka Nithi gubernatorial race Erastus Njoka, have now declared their support for President-elect William Ruto before his swearing-in on Tuesday.
The leaders who form part of Tharaka Nithi Professionals and Njuri Ncheke elders pledged their allegiance to Ruto, despite their support for Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the August polls.
Speaking during a press briefing today at Chuka, Njoka took the opportunity to thank Kenyans for conducting a peaceful election, saying they are happy with Ruto’s win.
“I want to thank God for the election of William Ruto as president. Having worked under him in the Ministry of Education, I know Kenya is in the safe hands of a great and hardworking leader, and I wish to declare my support for his government,” he said.
Njoka went on to ask those who campaigned for different elective seats but lost to bury the hatchet and work together with elected leaders for a better nation.
“I am and have always been a supporter of William Ruto. We have a president that values Agriculture and Education and has previously worked with him. I believe he will take this country to greater heights,” he added.
Njoka noted the misrepresentation of the county in national government appointments, acknowledging that the county had never headed a ministerial position. He asked Ruto to consider them for appointments.
“We have never benefited from top government positions. We ask Ruto to include us in his government”, he said.
The leaders asked former Senator Kithure Kindiki to lobby positions for Tharaka Nithi professionals since he was best placed at the helm of Ruto’s government. They affirmed their support to Ruto, asking him not to forget them in his government.
“We have never received a top ministerial appointment. We have professionals who are up to the task. We have always supported Ruto and his bid for the presidency. I ask all leaders to rally behind him. We know he is a transformative leader who has the interest of Kenyans at heart”, Nyamu Kiungu, Organizing Secretary Ameru Njuri Ncheke, said.
