- The ex-prime minister spoke in reference government’s failed promise to deliver laptops to all standard one pupils to actualise digital literacy programme.
- Raila depicted Ruto as a corrupt leader who steals billions of shillings from the public to buy loyalty.
Image: REUTERS/PETER NICHOLLS
Azimio presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga on Thursday wound up his UK trip with a scathing attack on Deputy President William Ruto as he promised to ‘clean’ the country, if elected.
The ODM leader met Kenyans living in the UK on Thursday evening where he articulated his reform agenda and portrayed the DP as corrupt, anti-reform and untrustworthy.
Raila, who led his Azimio brigade in the meeting, said the DP, who together with President Uhuru Kenyatta formed Jubilee government, has failed to live up to the promises he made to Kenyans.
“The children who were promised laptops are now completing Form 4. And when they finish Form 4, you are now telling them kazi ni kazi. You want to give them wheelbarrow,” he said.
The ex-prime minister spoke in reference to government’s failed promise to deliver laptops to all Standard 1 pupils to actualise digital literacy programme.
Raila depicted Ruto as a corrupt leader claiming he steals billions of shillings from the public to buy loyalty.
He claimed that despite earning Sh2 million monthly, the DP has been dishing out at least Sh100 million to youth, women and churches every month.
“Uhuru estimated that about Sh2 billion is lost every year. .. but we know where this money is going to. They are carrying money in sacks, giving in churches, buying school bus…..” he said.
The DP has often trashed the corrupt tag, saying he is a kind ‘hustler’ who shares proceedings of his businesses with his fellow ‘hustlers.’
Raila, who concluded his five days tour of the UK with the candid engagement with Kenyans living there, said he will clean the country and restore peace, order and equality.
“When you talk about corruption, people say they are targeted… We want to clean this country. That is what Azimio government will do.”
Raila said he will turnaround the economy, combat tribalism, corruption and introduce a social welfare programme that will see every poor household and single mothers get Sh6,000 every month.
The AU special envoy narrated the ‘handshake’ journey with the President, saying the country was headed for a split had they not put aside their political differences.
Raila was accompanied to the UK with, among others, governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Cotu boss Francis Atwoli and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.
Others are Siaya Senator James Orengo and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
The team rallied support for Raila, saying he is the ‘reset’ button that will liberate the country. He said the former premier will fight graft and rebuilt economy.
“Baba will build the country. Therefore, if we allow the country to be destroyed, it means you will have to work extra hard to help your relatives.
Kenneth exuded confidence that Raila will floor Ruto in the upcoming polls, adding that mathematically, the ODM boss is ahead of the DP.
“I have travelled the whole country with Baba. If you go to northeastern, all the candidates are in Azimio," he said.
"Upper Eastern the same. With Kalonzo’s entry and support of the three governors, we feel Eastern is locked,” he added.
The former PM is expected to jet back into the country after a busy week of engagement in the UK.
While in the UK, Raila delivered a speech at the famous Chatham House and met Anglican Centenary who is the head of Anglican Church in the world and UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey.
The ODM chief also engaged UK’s Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs Lord Tariq Ahmed and UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson’s trade envoy to Kenya Theo Clarke.