President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked voters in Western to reject Deputy President William Ruto at the ballot, saying the UDA candidate is only thirsty for power and has no agenda for the country.
Uhuru said Ruto is a corrupt leader and he should not be voted in as the next president.
“Ruto has really made me sweat until I was rescued by my brother Raila Odinga. His [Ruto's] work is to plan how to get money and power. I want you to vote for Raila. Don’t make a wrong decision,” Uhuru said.
He said the country will not prosper if Kenyans elect Ruto as his successor.
The President spoke at Nzoia Sugar Company in Bungoma on Tuesday when he toured the factory to assess its rehabilitation.
He was accompanied by Agriculture CS Peter Munya, Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and Sirisia MP John Waluke.
Uhuru said the government through the Ministry of Agriculture has been working to empower sugar cane farmers, but some leaders charged with that responsibility sabotaged the Jubilee administration’s efforts by crippling the operations of the sector.
He said despite allocating close to Sh1.2 billion to Nzoia Sugar, the investment amounted to nothing because the funds were not used for the intended purposes.
To bailout Nzoia Sugar, Uhuru directed CS Munya to ensure that Sh450 million owed to farmers is credited to their accounts and Sh50 million be paid to factory workers by Friday this week.
“My government really worked hard to support the sugar cane sector but because we had cartels who were pocketing the cash released to support the sector, I chased them from office and brought in a working man called Munya and now I can see the sector being revived," the head of state said.
Nzoia factory managing director Chrispine Ogutu said maintenance is complete and milling will resume on Sunday this week.
“I'm asking Wangamati and other leaders to pass by on Sunday and confirm to me if Nzoia will have started milling. We are not here to joke but to work,” Uhuru said.
The President faulted Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, Ruto and ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi for serving in the government but failing to support the sugar sector.
He said Ruto once served as the minister for agriculture and if Kenya Kwanza wins next week, he will do nothing for Kenyans.
“Ruto is thirsty for power and money and cannot deliver. Please vote wisely,” Uhuru said.
The head of state described Raila as a good leader who will work for the country.
Uhuru said the job of the president requires someone with wisdom to run the affairs of the country.
“Some are saying that Raila is very old, when you vote for him, he is not going to run, he will just be seated as he executes his roles as the head of state,” he said.
Wamunyinyi faulted Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka for not passing the Sugar Bill 2019 that he claims he presented before the House.
“My Sugar Bill was passed in the National Assembly but because of Lusaka and Wetang’ula’s selfish interests they failed to pass it," Wamunyinyi said.
Wangamati lauded President Kenyatta for bailing out Nzoia Sugar.
He assured Uhuru that Bungoma is an Azimio la Umoja stronghold and Raila will garner 100 per cent votes.
Uhuru said he will continue visiting Bungoma as he is still the chancellor of Kibabii University.
“This is not the last time I'm landing here. I will be coming for the Kibabii University graduation ceremony and will be passing here at Nzoia to see the progress,” he said.
CS Eugene said the Sh500 million bailout to offset arrears owed to farmers and workers will change the operations of Nzoia Sugar.
“We could not sit back and watch as Nzoia Sugar collapses and that is why I'm politely requesting you to vote for Raila so that I, Wangamati, Waluke and Wamunyinyi can continue pushing for more goodies,” he said.
Eugene said if Raila and his running mate Martha Karua win the election, the region will benefit more.
Edited by A.N
