Uhuru-Raila handshake will not lead to Prime Minister post, Ruto says

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok chats with Deputy President William Ruto during the homecoming ceremony for Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo at Chepkosom Primary School in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, April 15, 2018. /DPPS
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok chats with Deputy President William Ruto during the homecoming ceremony for Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo at Chepkosom Primary School in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, April 15, 2018. /DPPS

The unity pact between Opposition Chief Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta is not aimed at creating the position of Prime Minister, William Ruto has said.

The Deputy President

told off politicians on Sunday, saying they were misinforming Kenyans about the deal and trying to mock voters.

"Some leaders have no understanding of our meeting with the Opposition. They think we are meeting to secure jobs for individuals," he said, adding the goal is development.

Ruto, in a veiled reference to Raila, said making changes to create the position of a powerful PM was unacceptable.

He said some politicians are planning to have the county run by an ex-executive PM elected by MPs in a parliamentary sitting.

The DP noted that

parliamentarians can be compromised to elect leaders against the wishes of a majority of Kenyans.

"Kenyans have the capacity to elect their leaders so some people should not introduce plans that will see a few individuals sit in a corner and decide leaders for them," he said.

He spoke during the homecoming ceremony for Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo at Chepkosom Primary School in Uasin Gishu.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the handshake should not be used to create unnecessary political offices.

Murkomen criticised the meeting between Raila and former President Daniel arap Moi in Kabarak last week, saying it may have

been "a 2022 presidential contest disguised as a handshake".

The Senate Majority leader, however,

accused Baringo Senator Gideon Moi of stopping certain political leaders from visiting his father.

"Some of us want to go and greet our retired President but Gideon is becoming a stumbling block. He decides who should visit Mzee Moi."

National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale said politicians should not expect to use visits to Moi's home as a campaign tool for the 2022 election.

He added that the unity deal will have little impact on the next presidential poll.

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