Deputy President Ruto wants ANC leader Mudavadi in his fold
Deputy President William Ruto yesterday reiterated his call on Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi to join him in the race for the presidency.
Ruto said he would feel comfortable working with Mudavadi. He said the former Deputy Prime Minister stood to gain more if the two formed an alliance, compared to joining the Azimio La Umoja’ movement led by Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto made the remarks during campaign forays in the Western region. The tours which started on Monday in Bungoma, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia counties extended to Busia County yesterday.
Best model
He also addressed wananchi in Adungosi, Matayos, Nambale, Butula, Funyula and Budalang’i.
“I am welcoming my brother Mudavadi and Man Weta (Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula) to join us in this journey to liberate our people,” Ruto said.
“We should be one big team that will unite the whole country, grow the economy together and uplift the livelihoods of Kenyans,” he added.
He termed the Okoa Kenya Alliance as moribund saying it was still unable to decide on its presidential candidate, even as the date for the next election draws closer.
The DP who was accompanied by several political leaders, continued to drum up support for his “Bottom-Up” econony policy which he said was the best model to transform lives of poor Kenyans who are the majority.
Rig victory
He hit out at some forces in the national government whom he accused of engaging in schemes to rig his victory.
“There are some evil forces that call themselves Deep State that are hell-bent on ensuring that they steal my victory on August 9. I tell them that they will not manage because we are very alert,” he said.
Ruto defended his performance as DP saying he had played his role effectively as per the Constitution.
He said he was actively involved in the various development projects in the Western region and cited roads, technical training institutions and connecting residents to the national power grid.
The DP at the same time, emphasized on the need for Kenyans to demand performance score cards from leaders so as to separate chaff from the grain.
Politics of tribalism
“When these people looking for votes come here, let them enumerate their development programs in whatever positions they have served this country,” said Ruto adding that majority of leaders were thriving on politics of tribalism to ascend to power.
Former MPs Ababu Namwamba, Arthur Odera and Mary Emase said Ruto was the best candidate to take over from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Namwamba urged the Luhya community to back Ruto, saying he is a development oriented leader.
“As a community, we should not be misled to support candidates who end up being in Opposition. Ruto is the right candidate for us,” said Namwamba.
Ruto will today return to Vihiga, Mudavadi’s home county.
