Don’t try to introduce an imperial registrar through parties Bill – Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has asked Members of Parliament to reject the fraudulent laws that are being brought into the Parliament.

Rut said that some of the politicians known for their political conmanship were now pushing the Political Parties Amendment Bill of 2021 to defraud Kenyans.

Speaking in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday, the DP asked MPs not to be used to pass the bill that is designed to undermine the independence of IEBC and political parties.

"I urge MPs not to pass laws that promote conmanship. We want laws that promote the rights of every Kenyan," Ruto said.

He was accompanied by Governor Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu, MPs Janet Sitienei (Turbo), and Vincent Tuwei (Mosop).

Ruto asked proponents of the bill to stop political conmanship. 

He asked them to withdraw their scheme of installing an imperial registrar of political parties who will take up some roles from IEBC and also manage party nominations.

"If you want us to believe you, stop defrauding Kenyans using sections of the bill that seek to transfer functions of IEBC to the registrar of political parties," Ruto said.

He added that it was in bad faith to have the registrar of political parties manage the parties’ nominations.

“…parties are free to supervise their nominations and the way they want to operate as parties, let us not bring in an imperial registrar of parties.”

Tuwei and Sitienei vowed to oppose the bill in parliament, saying it undermines the rights of the people.

Sitieni said they will not allow unconstitutional laws to be passed in Parliament.

"We will be in Parliament to ensure the rights of Kenyans are upheld," she said.

Also, the DP said he will implement a Universal Healthcare Coverage system within the first 100 days in office if he ascends the presidency.

Ruto said Kenyans will pay a percentage of their income as opposed to a fixed amount to ensure everyone pays a fair amount.

"The first 100 days we will have a working Universal Health Coverage system if elected the next president.”

Further, the DP asked Kenyans to reject a puppet leader picked by a few leaders to look after their interests.

"We cannot allow a few individuals sitting in a hotel somewhere to decide for us who will lead us. Whoever will lead Kenyans will be one elected by the people," he said.

The Deputy President asked Kenyans not to fall into the trap of those advocating for ethnic and tribal political parties with the aim of dividing them.

"I urge Kenyans not to accept to be driven into the village and tribal parties. We want a situation where Kenyans remain united.”

Ruto pledged to implement unfilled government promises citing the Big Four development agenda that sought to create jobs.

He also assured farmers that he will reduce the cost of fertiliser from the current price of over Sh5,000 to Sh2,500 to improve agriculture and boost production.