DP William Ruto says ODM leaders leaving because party strategy tank is dry

NAIROBI: Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that Jubilee is paying leaders from the Opposition’s strongholds to join the ruling coalition.

Mr Ruto said the claims by CORD were signs that the Opposition had run out of political strategies.

“All leaders are elected and free to make their own choices. It is those who had banked on regional and ethnic politics that are now complaining as they feel like losers,” he said.

The Deputy President vowed to continue making inroads into CORD strongholds.

“We will go to Western, Eastern, even Nyanza until we make sure Jubilee has united all Kenyans. No tribe is in this country by accident,” said Ruto.

He said Jubilee won the 2013 election because the two main regional blocs (Rift Valley and Central) were united.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  King Mumia II opposes Echesa's appointment
• 
  'Kempes' lauds Talanta Hela Decision to go international
• 
  Let's de-link party leadership from Executive, Parliament
• 
  Raila warns leaders against playing dirty politics in ODM polls

“... But for 2017, we want to bring all regions together. We should no longer conduct tribal politics and our rivals are well aware of that,” the former Eldoret North MP said.

“There is no slavery in politics. Our opponents should know that in politics, people plan. CORD simply has no future and even their own members can see that,” he added while addressing a rally in Kabete where he was accompanied by area leaders including Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.

The rift in CORD is widening following the resignations of Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma as ODM vice chairman. This prompted ODM leader Raila Odinga to plan a series of rallies in Western region starting today, as he seeks to revitalise and cement the Opposition’s authority over the already politically fragmented region.

Apart from the New Ford Kenya Party, which has announced its dissolution to join Jubilee, Ruto had earlier hinted that Namwamba had ditched ODM for Jubilee, with rumours flying around that he had been paid.

DENIED CLAIMS

But Namwamba denied the claims yesterday, saying no “loaded” politician could afford his price if at all money was the driving force.

Earlier, Jubilee leaders had attended a church service at ACK Emmanuel Church, Kibiku, where Ruto gave a contribution of Sh1 million.

“When we are talking about 2022, CORD has no manifesto and even no idea who their 2017 candidate will be. Which sane person would stick with them?” Ruto asked.

Mr Kabogo and Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu maintained that they would support Ruto for the presidency in 2022.

“Ruto is the reason Kenya is as peaceful as it is. For us, it is already a sealed deal. It is President Uhuru Kenyatta for 2017 and come 2022, we shall all support the Deputy President,” said Kabogo.

On request from the area governor, Ruto had pledged Government support to build the Sh50 million Wangige market.

“Let the works begin because from the national government you are assured of Sh25 million,” said Ruto.

He said the Government had signed also a contract to construct the Ruaka-Southern bypass that will be connected to the Eastern bypass.