•He said it was absurd of them to talk about bringing the country together through tribal political outfits.
•“They must first dismantle their ethnic-based parties and form a national outfit the way we have done it,” Ruto said.
Deputy President William Ruto has challenged his competitors to form national political parties if they are serious about uniting Kenya.
He said it was absurd of them to talk about bringing the country together through tribal political outfits.
“They must first dismantle their ethnic-based parties and form a national outfit the way we have done it,” Ruto said.
His utterances are an apparent attack towards ODM party leader Raila Odinga and the OKA team that met President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mombasa on Tuesday.
Uhuru met Raila and OKA chiefs Gideon Moi, Moses Wetang'ula, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka at State House, Mombasa, where they discussed matters unity and peace ahead of 2022.
But speaking at his Karen Residence where he met grassroot leaders and opinion shapers from Ruiru on Thursday, Ruto said gone were the days when the country’s politics was dominated by politicians, political positions and the change of the Constitution.
“That is why we have come up with an economic model that will take the country back to the growth path," Ruto said.
He sold his bottom-up approach, saying that jobs will be generated and a conducive investment environment created for businesses to flourish.
Leaders present were Isaac Mwaura (nominated), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Cecily Mbarire (nominated), George Theuri (Embakasi West) and Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula).
Gachagua said as the Opposition organises itself by seeking President Uhuru Kenyatta’s endorsement, they should also be allowed to market United Democratic Alliance without intimidation.
Mbarire said they had chosen to be in the hustler nation due to its focus on the lives of the ordinary people.
Uhuru on Tuesday asked One Kenya Alliance luminaries to support Raila in the 2022 presidential contest.
The President reportedly showed the politicians an opinion poll which indicated Raila was by far the most popular.
Uhuru argued that Raila remains the most formidable politician to face off with Ruto in his succession race.
Uhuru's relationship with his deputy has hit rock bottom and he is expected to campaign against Ruto in next year's general election.
Edited by CM