Opposition out to divide Jubilee, says DP William Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has accused the Opposition of engaging in outdated politics that will not win the hearts of Kenyans. Mr Ruto said the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) of politicising the graft war in a move meant to divide the ruling coalition.

The DP was speaking at Kapsabet Boys High School in Nandi during a thanksgiving ceremony for Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett and Livestock Principal Secretary Andrew Tuimur. The event was attended by over 30 Jubilee leaders who also took a swipe at the Opposition for what they termed as attempts 'to divide the President and his deputy.'

"CORD's strategy is to undermine the Jubilee government's aspirations to serve Kenyans. It cannot build its politics by destroying the aspirations of Jubilee," said Ruto.

He listed provision of electricity, improvements in infrastructure and education as some of the milestones the Jubilee government has achieved.

"We are not fazed by CORD's attempts to discredit our work. We are on the right track in fulfilling the Jubilee manifesto; the Jubilee team is assured of a win in 2017," he said.

 'CORD zones'

The DP said public officials had been called to serve Kenyans of all tribes, political parties and creed. He called on the Opposition to set aside 'political manoeuvres' that will affect service delivery.

"A public official is called to serve Kenyans without bias to political affiliations, regional considerations or ethnic background. To sabotage their work through political manoeuvres is unacceptable," he said.

He further said Jubilee was making inroads in previous 'CORD zones' including the Western and Coast regions, where he said they would get votes in the 2017 polls.

Leaders accused CORD of targeting Ruto and URP-affiliated public officials with the aim of causing friction within Jubilee.

Charles Keter (Energy CS), governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Cleophas Lagat (Nandi) and legislators Sabina Chege (Murang'a Woman Rep), Moses Kuria (Gatundu), Rachel Shebesh (Nairobi Women Rep), Stephen arap Sang (Nandi Senator) and Isaac Melly (Uasin Gishu) said there was a plan by the Opposition to split President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto.

"CORD intends to bring a rift in Jubilee ahead of 2017," said Ms Shebesh.

Mr Kuria wondered why CORD was not employing the same vigour in calling for the resignation of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero amid allegations that he gave a Sh200 million bribe to win the petition challenging his election.

The leaders said the Opposition was anticipating defeat in 2017 polls, hence their zeal to undermine Jubilee.