Ruto allies to pitch camp in North Eastern in week-long tour

Deputy President William Ruto will on Monday embark on marathon economic forums in the North Eastern region in a week-long programme that will end Friday.

Ruto’s tour, which comes a day after being cleared by IEBC to vie for the presidential seat, is also aimed at consolidating votes from the region.

The UDA presidential candidate will pitch tent in Garissa to collect development views from the residents before holding two rallies in the area and later in Wajir.

His two other teams, led by his running mate Rigathi Gachagua and ANC  leader Musalia Mudavadi, will be in Embu and Narok respectively the same day before presiding over similar forums in Rift valley and Western region.

On Sunday, Ruto intensified his campaigns in various parts of Kiambu, drumming up support for Kenya Kwanza as one that will bring changes to the country while sustaining attacks against his rival, Raila Odinga.

Maintaining he is going to defeat him in the polls, Ruto reminded Raila that the problems facing the country were not a result of ignorance but unemployment.

“I want to remind my opponent that...millions of youth have no jobs yet they have necessary certificates and that is what we have prioritised for them as Kenya Kwanza,” Ruto said in Uthiru.

The DP, who was accompanied by a host of leaders, said they have laid down a clear plan and framework that will ensure crucial areas of the economy that ensures the cost of living is reduced is focused on.

Mudavadi on his part criticised those he called ‘false prophets’ who he said had predicted that Ruto will not make it the ballot.

“The individuals even became ridiculous ‘playing God’ as to predict the life of Ruto and they are still there and from my area,” he said.

He added that as Kenya kwanza, they will continue partnering with other like-minded individuals and organisations, especially faith-based groups to ensure the economy is revived.

Mudavadi said many Kenyans were now languishing in poverty due to failure by current administration to ensure they change their lives and welfare of the society.

“Poverty is dehumanising that is why our agenda is about economy and we have we have no option but to rescue it. When people are poor their dignity is eroded and their spirits are down,” Mudavadi said.

“As Kenya Kwanza we want to work with churches to give hope to the downtrodden Kenyans.”

Kiambu senatorial aspirant Karungo Wa Thangwa who the IEBC has disqualified continued with his campaigns, saying he is hopeful he will be cleared.

Karungo, alongside Mombasa governor aspirant Mike Sonko, were barred on grounds that they were hounded out of office on graft issues.

(edited by Amol Awuor)