• Ruto said it is only by adopting the bottom-up economic model that problems facing millions of Kenyans can be addressed.
• He dismissed those engaging in boardroom interviews on the pretext that they are the ones with authority on matters of leadership, saying it’s Kenyans who have the final say on the governance of the country.
Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday urged Kenyans to vet presidential hopefuls and support one with a clear track record to accelerate economic growth.
He said to bring about change and break away from the past, Kenyans should next year elect a leader who is committed to transforming their lives.
Speaking at a rally in Isiolo town, Ruto said it is only by adopting the bottom-up economic model that problems facing millions of Kenyans can be addressed.
“UDA, which is associated with the hustler movement, is about providing jobs for the youth, cheap credit to small-scale businesspeople and a friendly environment. It’s through these, among others, that lives of the majority of Kenyans can be improved,” Ruto said.
He dismissed those engaging in boardroom interviews on the pretext that they are the ones with authority on matters of leadership, saying it’s Kenyans who have the final say on the governance of the country.
“As rich individuals continue to look for a leader who will protect their wealth after 2022, we are busy with the ordinary people looking for ways of creating wealth for them so that they can improve their lives,” he said.
At the same time, the DP asked Kenyans to ignore leaders who were pursuing their personal interests at the expense of the pressing issues affecting millions of ordinary citizens.
“As youths, it’s time for you to make informed decisions. There are those who are prioritising change of the Constitution to create positions for a few individuals and us in hustler nation who want to create wealth through a change of economic model to bring equality among all Kenyans.”
Ruto said Jubilee had good plans to transform the lives of Kenyans, including those in arid and semi-arid areas before the handshake replaced the Big Four agenda with the change of Constitution efforts, which have since been blocked by courts.
He said once the World Bank implements its resolve to give Sh100 billion as part of efforts to transform arid and semi-arid areas into an economic powerhouse, the lives of many people in the region would be improved.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok urged Isiolo residents to support Ruto for the top seat, noting that he has good plans on how to solve their challenges ranging from insecurity, lack of water and poor infrastructure.
“His development record is clear. This is why I ask you to elect him as president come 2022,” Nanok said.
MPs from the region said they would rally their people to support the DP.
Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa told residents to be wary of individuals who only tour the area because elections are around the corner.
“We have to stand with our brother, Dr Ruto, who has been here on several occasions on matters of development. I know we will from now on receive many visitors who have not set foot here in the past to participate in development.”
“We should not be confused by leaders who just want to come here to seek votes ahead of 2022, yet they were nowhere when we needed them most,” she said.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua urged pastoralists to support Ruto for the presidency, saying he was the only candidate committed to transforming the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Saku MP Ali Rasso and Tana River MP Juma Wario said the bottom-up economic model was the only way to uplift the lives of the majority of Kenyan citizens.
Earlier, while attending a church service at the Isiolo Catholic Church, Ruto asked clerics not to sideline politicians but to preach to them.
Other leaders who accompanied the DP included MPs Mohammed Ali (Nyali), Ali Rasso (Saku), Jematia Sergon (EALA), Beatrice Mkatha (Tharaka Nithi), Anab Subow (Garissa), Falheda Iman (nominated), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), Ali Wario (Garsen), Naomi Wako (nominated) and Halima Mucheke (nominated).