Ruto extends olive branch to OKA team
DP says he is ready to work with those whose ambition is to uplift the lives of Kenyans
Deputy President (DP) William Ruto yesterday reached out to One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals to team up with him ahead of the August 2022 polls instead of being coerced to support Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto said the window was open to leaders, who want to work with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to transform Kenya. The Deputy President who was responding to calls by his allies said he would join forces with all leaders who believe in uplifting lives of millions of underprivileged Kenyans.
“We are ready to partner with those who believe in our agenda,” he said.
Ruto explained the country was facing massive economic pressure that called on leaders to pull together to tame the rising cost of living.
OKA principals Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang’la and Gideon Moi have indicated that they will settle on one of them to contest the presidency. “If they are ready, let them come and work with us. Our priority is in investing in projects that will create at least four million jobs for the youth,” he said.
Ruto spoke during a church service in Kikopey, Gilgil Constituency, where he also welcomed area MP Martha Wangari to UDA.
He was accompanied by MPs Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Ndindi Nyoro (Kihara), George Koimburi (Juja), George Kariuki (Ndia), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Faith Gitau (Nyandarua). Others were Lizah Chelule (Nakuru), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Patrick Wainaina (Thika Town) and Ben Washiali (Mumias East).
The leaders said other presidential candidates were being forced to back Raila because of the strong UDA wave across the country.
They asked Mudavadi, Musyoka and Wetangula not to be coerced to back Raila. Nyoro said they were aware of the tribulations the trio has been subjected to in a bid to vacate their aspirations for Raila in 2022.
“Do not bow to pressure. Press on and ensure that you stick to the wishes of the people,” said the Kiharu MP.
Gachagua said the State should not intimidate and force leaders to support the ODM boss. He said gone were the days when such tricks were employed to win votes.
The Mathira MP said it was time the government appreciated that most Kenyans were for issues-based, people-centred politics under Ruto’s UDA.
“Do not overwork Raila,” he added.
Kihika said that the Hustler Nation wave was unbeatable: “It is irresistible. We welcome all leaders to work with us in meeting the aspirations of the people.”
Gitau on his part asked Raila to come up with a sustainable plan that will change Kenya for better.
Washiali said UDA was widely acceptable in the country because of its progressive Bottom-Up economic model
This emerged when Ruto held roadside meetings in Gilgil, Naivasha, Kinungi and Fly Over centres. Addressing the crowds, Ruto expressed confidence that UDA will form the next government.
“We as UDA are ready to work with other leaders who have the same vision as UDA of empowering millions of youths who are jobless,” he said.
In his speech, Ruto took issue with Jubilee to back Raila in the coming elections noting that this unfair to millions who voted them into office in 2012.
“Over eight million people voted Jubilee into office and some people have decided to back Raila against the wishes of the voters and this is very wrong,” he said.
He revisited the issue of the failed referendum noting that the exercise was meant to create seats for some few individuals.
Ruto noted that the government’s plan to turn Naivasha into an industrial town had materialised with the construction of the SGR and setting up of an industrial park.
“The Rironi-Mau Summit expressway will be a game changer and plans are at an advanced stage to get fluoride-free water for people of Naivasha,” he said.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinard Waititu who also spoke lashed out at the anti-graft agency and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for being used to fight political wars.
