Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed calls by the Opposition for a referendum, and asked the latter to table attainable demands. The DP says challenges facing the country can be solved without subjecting Kenyans to another mini election.
Ruto said leaders should focus on development projects to better the lives of Kenyans. He said issues like food prices, insecurity, among others, cannot be addressed through referendums.
He challenged leaders to shun empty politics and deliver on their campaign pledges, saying politicking ended with the March 4 General Election.
"The Jubilee administration's responsibility is to serve all Kenyans without bias. It is now time for elected leaders to rise above partisan politics and serve wananchi diligently," he said.
Ruto said the Opposition's conduct shows they do not have the capacity to offer solutions to challenges facing the country.
He, at the same time, reminded the Opposition of the institutions created by the Constitution, which, he said, could help address issues affecting the country. He wondered why they were undermining such institutions. "They neither know what Kenyans want nor are they offering any solutions," said the DP.
Speaking at Enoo Saen Primary School in Kilogirs Constituency, Narok County during a funds-drive for the school, the Deputy President said the lives of Kenyans could be transformed if the county governments managed resources allocated to them well.
He said county leaders should venture into and implement development projects to uplift the people's living standards.
He urged pastoralists to engage in agricultural activities, saying it was only through more emphasis on agriculture that poverty and food insecurity could be solved.
He thanked the residents of Narok County and Kenyans or overwhelmingly voting the Jubilee Coalition in the last elections.
Ruto said the Government would work with all leaders in ensuring improved standards of living for all Kenyans. National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale and his Senate counterpart Kithure Kindiki accused CORD principals of going against the Constitution they vehemently fought for.
"CORD principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula were at the fore front in agitating for the Constitution. We are surprised that they are now against the same Constitution they voted for. This is strange," said Duale.
Kindiki said Kenyans are not interested on issues of mass action, but of mass development.
Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, Kilgoris MP Gideon Konchella and Senator Stephen ole Ntutu said it was time leaders worked as a team in delivering their campaign pledges.
"The language of leaders in this county is service delivery, nothing else," said Konchella.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join