• The DP said the farmers needed the money to increase their production.
• Ruto said the majority of Kenyans are sleeping hungry due to the high cost of living.
Image: JOHN CHESOLI
Deputy President William Ruto has sensationally claimed that the Sh5.7 billion public funds meant for fertilizer is being used to lure politicians to Azimio la Umoja coalition.
While speaking in Mombasa on Saturday where he held a series of rallies, Ruto said Sh1 billion has already been spent by the national government to ‘buy’ politicians to support ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
“Today, the billions of money in the budget that had been set aside to buy fertilizer that would be sold to farmers at subsidized prices is being spent on other things. Some Sh5.7 billion is being used to buy politicians,” said Ruto.
The DP said the farmers needed the money to increase their production at the time when the country is facing severe drought due to failed rains.
“Today, so many Kenyans are dying of hunger because of poor farm yields. Are these people humane to spend such amount on politicians?
"Someone who has never slept hungry, does not understand the problems of the people at the grassroots,” said Ruto.
"They do not know what it is to tarmac, that is the reason as to why today they are reallocating monies that were to help farmers. They are using that to buy politicians,” Ruto said.
He spoke at Mwembe Tayari and Majengo Market in Mvita constituency before addressing a rally at Kadzodzo ground in Junda in Kisauni constituency.
Ruto later addressed a roadside rally at Barsheba in Kisauni.
The DP was accompanied by several UDA politicians among them former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar, MPs Mohammed Ali (Nyali), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), and Feisal Bader (Msambweni among others.
Ruto said the majority of Kenyans are sleeping hungry due to the high cost of living.
He took the opportunity to drum up support for his presidential bid, saying that he will transform the nation after winning the August 9 general election.
Ruto also addressed the ongoing rumours on planned rigging of elections in favour of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The DP said the claims are unfounded and that will never happen.
“These individuals now claim that they will still votes. Do I look like someone who you can easily steal from? Ruto posed.
"We competed with them in Msambweni, Juja and Kiambaa and we beat them hands down. We will beat them on August 9 and there is nothing they will do,” said Ruto.
The DP is on Sunday expected to tour Kwale and Kilifi Counties.