Allies of President William
Ruto have welcomed the warm reception that he was treated to during his
development tour of the Mt Kenya region.
At least 14 MPs and Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, attended a church
service at Kapkei in Moiben Uasin Gishu county, where they expressed confidence
that Ruto would be re-elected because of his transformative agenda for the
country.
The leaders present included Governor Jonathan Bii of Uasin
Gishu, PS for Finance Chris Kiptoo, Kitutu Chache North MP Japtheth Nyakundi,
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), Samwel Chepkonga
(Ainabkoi), Julius Ruto (Kesses), Professor Phyllis Bartoo (Moiben) and Alego
Usonga MP Samwel Atandi.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and PS for Education
Julius Bitok were also present.
Cheruiyot urged President Ruto to focus on his agenda for the
country and ignore critics who are driven by jealousy.
“Ruto loves the whole country and even the church where he has
continued to give for development despite unnecessary criticism”, said
Cheruiyot.
He told off former DP Rigathi Gachagua, claiming he was attempting to politically ring-fence the Mt Kenya region for himself.
“We thank the people of Mt Kenya for respecting our President
who works round the clock to ensure all Kenyans are proud of this country,” Cheruiyot said.
He said Ruto was taking the country to greater heights in terms
of development and unity.
Atandi urged residents of Rift Valley to be sure that opposition
chief Raila Odinga would stand with President Ruto even during the next
elections.
“There are those who wanted Raila to betray the country and
there is no way he could do that,” said Atandi.
He said there was no way those in government would jump out and
abandon Ruto before the next elections.
Atandi said President Ruto means well for the country, and
because of his boldness, he would be able to transform the country.
“Let’s support the president because what he is doing will make
this country great in the future,” said Atandi.
Rutto asked former Public CS Justin Muturi to stop making
remarks that cannot be 'substantiated'.
“Muturi worked for a very long time as AG and then as minister. He
should have resigned long ago if he believes Ruto is not right for Kenya,” the MP said.
Governor Bii said they were happy that President Ruto was well
received during the tour in the Mt Kenya region, which is a clear indication that he
was loved across the country.
“We ask opposition leaders to
stop living in denial that President Ruto is popular countrywide because of his
development programmes,” Bii said.
Nyakundi said following Ruto’s successful visit to Mt Kenya
region, it was clear that the president was on the right track in uniting and
developing the country.
“Ruto has made difficult decisions and now we can see the good
fruits of his work in all sectors, including agriculture,” Nyakundi said.
Kibet said tribalism was no longer wanted by Kenyans and leaders
who still propagate divisions had no place in the country.
“You cannot talk about tribalism and then you want to lead this
country. That will not work at all," Farouk said.
Mutuse said he supports Ruto because of his constituents who
also deserve development through the president.
“Ruto always talks about development. You will hear him most of
the time talking about SHA, roads and quality education among other issues and
that is why I want to be close to him,” Mutuse said.
He said the unity between Ruto and opposition Chief Raila Odinga was good for the country and should be supported by all Kenyans.
He predicted that Ruto would win the next elections by over 14
million votes, which is double what he got in the last elections.
PS for Finance Dr Chris Kiptoo said the country was now more
stable, with Inflation having gone down, the shilling is stronger and economic
growth can be seen.
“The economy is
now more stable and the prices of most commodities have gone down. What we need
now is for our people to take advantage by investing and paying taxes,” said
Kiptoo.
