Ruto censured President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he was campaigning while the country was grappling with high cost of living.
“These people have never slept hungry because they are from the rich but I understand the situation Kenyans are in since I have slept hungry,” Ruto said.
Responding to outbursts over ‘uncontrolled’ anger, the DP said this was due to the prevailing economic crisis in the country brought about by the handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga.
“If you see us unhappy, it is because of the families that are sleeping hungry and for the children who despite getting educated, are languishing in drugs and unemployment,” he said.
Kenyans, he said, cannot be happy because they are suffering due to the high prices of commodities.
“We are not happy because our farmers are paying Sh6,700 for fertiliser, they can no longer produce because they are in debt while 15 million other Kenyans are in CRB,” he said.
Ruto spoke at Kuria West in Migori and Nyamira on Tuesday during his campaign trail in South Nyanza.
He was scheduled to visit Kitutu Chache, South Mugirango and Narok West.
On Wednesday, Ruto lost his temper after a man from the crowd ‘disrespected’ him.
“Young man, stop answering me. If you want to cause trouble in this meeting you better leave. You can't disrupt our meeting,” he said.
Raila and his running mate Martha Karua weighed in saying Ruto was unfit to hold the top office over his display of resentment towards the public.
But, exuding confidence in trouncing Raila in round one, the UDA flag bearer said he was best suited since he understands the challenges of the common man.
He said he has anchored most of the crucial issues that can help transform the deteriorating economy in his manifesto.
He lashed out at Raila accusing him of questioning the source of income saying if elected he is going to spend more than what he has contributed to churches and support for the needy.
“Sh2 million is little, in our government we shall give Sh50 billion to business traders,” he said.
Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula and PAA’s Amason Kingi who accompanied Ruto said Kenyans should blame the handshake for the situation in the country.
“The economy has deteriorated because of the handshake and instead of addressing inflation rates they are campaigning,” the DP said.
The remarks by the leaders came even as the government announced an additional fuel subsidy of Sh16.67 billion to cushion Kenyans from a further increase in the commodity.
“High fuel prices pose significant challenges for every Kenya. In response to this, the government has over the last year implemented a fuel stabilisation programme that has offered a reprieve to Kenyans,” read a press release from the office of the President.
Ruto accused President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila of turning a blind eye to the situation in the country by campaigning instead of addressing the issue of increased prices.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
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