Uhuru on receiving end as Ruto sustains attack over manifesto criticism

 

Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday sustained his onslaught against President Uhuru Kenyatta in a bid to defend his track record.

Ruto reiterated his commitment to implementing the manifesto he launched on Thursday dismissing Uhuru's attack on Saturday.

This is after the President slammed the DP accusing him of making empty promises.

"Don't worry about the manifesto my friend Uhuru Kenyatta. I will make sure this Country moves forward. You know the capacity I have," Ruto said.

"Many know my track record during our first term as Deputy President. We built a 700-kilometre railway, we built 10, 000 kilometres of road and connected 8 million Kenyans to electricity." 

Ruto spoke in Meru county where he held a series of rallies.

Ruto said he has no problem with Uhuru adding that his manifesto is about the ordinary Kenyans that have suffered for years.

On addressing corruption, Ruto said he is committed to ensuring that we have strong systems that will have the vice tamed.

"Ours is a fight against corruption. We will fight against those who undermine the progress of our Country by enriching themselves unfairly," he said.

Ruto recounted numerous times he supported Uhuru and said ODM leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Marth Karua have never backed him.

"We are not petty like our competitors. I want to tell this to my friend Uhuru Kenyatta when you needed support, I stood with you. We led Uhuru campaigns and won. Then, Raila and Karua were opposed to Uhuru ascending to power," he said.

"I am not demanding Uhuru to support me, I only request him to leave the field for me and Kitendawili to battle it out. I will trounce him very early." 

Ruto was responding to Uhuru's sentiments who hit out at him saying he is making empty promises whereas he had failed to discharge his mandates for the last eight years.

"We have seen leaders moving around making a lot of noise about what they will do, yet they had an opportunity to serve this country for the last eight years," Uhuru had said.

Ruto blamed the economic hardships facing Kenyans on the Handshake between President Uhuru and Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya flag bearer Raila.

Ruto's running mate Rigathi Gachagua on his part said their manifesto did not mention any plans to investigate Uhuru and his family as claimed.

"We know there must be respect for any retired presidents as it was experienced when President Daniel Arap Moi and Kibaki Mwai were alive," Gachagua said.

"The same respect and honour will be accorded to Uhuru. We will respect and dignify him as he views how the country is run." 

He also took issue with Karua saying she always goes against the will of Mt Kenya people to oppose.

"I heard someone lecturing Ruto about how to respect Uhuru Kenyatta. Come I show you how to respect Uhuru," Gachagua said.

National assembly speaker Justin Muturi, Senators Mithika Linturi (Meru), Prof Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nithi), MPs John Paul Mwirigi, Kimani Ichung'wa, Kirima Ngushine(Imenti Central), Kathuri Murungi (Imenti South) Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) among others were also present.

They group called on residents to vote in six-piece.    BY THE STAR