By Vincent Bartoo
Eldoret, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has warned leaders in Rift Valley against sucking President Uhuru Kenyatta into squabbles over the recent parastatal appointments.
He also cautioned them against public outbursts over the matter, urging them to choose dialogue instead to air their grievances.
Ruto told the leaders who had issues with the appointments to raise them with him directly instead of blaming the President.
“Leave the President out of this. If you have any complaint about the jobs, confront me and I will listen to what you have to say,” he said. “Am I not the one who led you into this government? Do you think I am incapable of representing your interests there?” he posed.
READ MORE
Demystifying Ruto's leadership style and Kenyans' expectations
Why scientists Magufuli and Ruto are joined at the hip politically
From Singapore to 6th largest economy, Ruto's old promises to transform Kenya
Why national assets will be sold to fund roads, railway projects
Ruto appeared to be responding to discontent from various leaders in the Rift Valley opposed to the appointments, which they said involved “recycled old faces”.
The DP was speaking at the weekend at the home of William Chepkut, former Cabinet minister Nicholas Biwott’s long serving personal assistant, during a ceremony for their sons.
Ruto and Chepkut’s sons had been circumcised alongside other boys and were being feted for their initiation into manhood at the latter’s home in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County.
An agitated DP further hit out at leaders within the Jubilee alliance who were demanding that State jobs be the preserve of communities that voted for him and Uhuru.
“These are tribal chauvinists who have no place in the modern world,” he said.
Digital slogan
Ruto reminded the leaders that he and Uhuru agreed to form an all-inclusive government that would unite the country that had been split along tribal lines.
“People forget that when we ran for the presidency, our rallying mission was to unite the country and we said this plainly,” he added.
He said the critics did not understand what Uhuru and he meant when they used the ‘Digital’ slogan to sell their ideals to voters.
“We did not use the digital slogan to mean age. Digital solutions to Kenya’s problems are not the preserve of youths. We must have a blend,” he added.
Present at the function were Biwott, Senator Charles Keter, MPs Oscar Sudi, Kangogo Bowen and Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago among others.
