Kalonzo slams Ruto over debate, asks him to share land

Deputy President William Ruto wasn’t in a presidential debate, but a long press conference, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

Kalonzo said Azimio Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s reasons for not attending the Tuesday debate at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Karen, Nairobi, were justifiable.

“I have seen a lot, Raila never went to the presidential debate. Ruto was in a long press conference,” Kalonzo said.

The Ukambani political kingpin spoke while receiving Machakos deputy governor Francis Maliti to the Wiper party at Maanzoni Lodge in Athi River on Wednesday.

The party received Maliti a day after he ditched his Machakos governorship bid in Wiper candidate Wavinya Ndeti’s favour at the Wiper Command Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Maliti shelved his bid for the seat two days after his running mate Rose Wambua ditched him and declared her political support to CCU party leader Nzioka Waita on Sunday.

Kalonzo warned Kenyans against voting the Kenya Kwanza’s boss as Kenya’s next president stating that the country would be in a big mess if they make such a mistake of making him the country’s CEO.

“I want to remind my friend Ruto. I wrote him a letter which he has never replied to. He accused me of stealing land and I took all my ownership documents to the DCI boss George Kinoti and told him to go answer, he never answered,” Kalonzo said.

He challenged the deputy president to hand over parts of land he owns to suffering squatters across the country.

“He said what he has he legally acquired, let him start subdividing his land to Kenyans. Ten acres each as a member of the opposition. Let him start from Kilgoris and Taita Taveta, Taita Taveta residents are crying, water has been shut, people can’t do farming,” Kalonzo said.

“He said enough is enough, but it’s the other way round. We don’t want to attack him, but to defeat him on the ballot on August 9,” Kalonzo said.

The Wiper leader urged Ukambani leaders to work hard in consolidating the regions in Raila’s favour.

He said he was committed to campaigning for Raila so that Azimio’s presidential candidate wins in the forthcoming polls.

“I am campaigning for Raila to become the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya, please help me support Baba. We will be having our final politically rally with Raila at Mulu Mutisya Grounds in Machakos County this Friday,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo said he will visit Yatta, Machakos and Masinga sub counties on Thursday to comb the areas as he mobilises votes ahead of Raila’s visit.

He asked the electorate to consider voting Wiper candidates in all political seats ranging from MCA to Governor.

“Vote in Wavinya, Malombe and Mutula Kilonzo Junior in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties respectively,” Kalonzo said.

He said he had attended the meeting to witness as Maliti was being welcomed to Wiper.

Kalonzo said the Machakos deputy governor will be given a job in Raila’s administration if they win the Presidency.

“I have very few words, just came to witness this wonderful occasion. And I tell you from now, the hard work begins to make sure that what has happened today comes to full fruition. Go outside there, campaign well and tell people to turn out in large numbers early on August 9 and vote for Wavinya Ndeti,” Kalonzo said.

He said Kenyans need not elect rich men for bribing them but leaders with track records and the ability to deliver.

“You don’t need much money to be a leader. I am not a rich man, I am just a leader. I am not a businessman, I am just a lawyer and senior council. And I think I can advise if it comes to proper advise,” he said.

Kalonzo said UDA, the party which had sponsored Ruto to the presidency introduced mass bribery two years ago.

“It took two years doing so without people knowing that they were being bribed,” he said.

He said Machakos residents didn’t need affirmative action since they already had taken action by electing Agnes Kavindu to the senate and Joyce Kamene to the National Assembly as woman representatives.

“People of Machakos shouldn’t get tired electing women and shouldn’t be discouraged by people who claim that Machakos County is becoming a girls' school,” Kalonzo said.