Ask Mudavadi to work with me, Ruto tells voters

Deputy President William Ruto addressing UDA rally at Logiri market in Nambale, Busia County on January 5, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto seems psyched about having key political players from Western support his presidential bid.

Ruto yesterday took his ‘hustler nation’ campaigns to Vihiga where he reiterated that he is ready to work with Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula.

The visit came barely two days after Mudavadi and Wetang’ula dismissed reports that they are in talks with Ruto.

Mudavadi clarified that none of the One Kenya Alliance principals had met their rivals including Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

But while addressing supporters at Chavakali trading centre in Sabatia constituency during his tour of Western, , Ruto sought their views on the possibility of him teaming up with Mudavadi ahead of the August 9 presidential vote.

“Who do you want Mudavadi and Wetang’ula to work with? Is it the hustler or the other group?” Ruto posed.

He urged the residents to be his emissaries to Mudavadi and convince the former vice president to consider working with him.

“When you see Mudavadi, please tell him that I was here and that he should get in touch with me so that we can agree on the way forward,” said Ruto.

Ruto has been on a charm offensive in Western hoping to secure a share of the region’s votes and appears determined to have Mudavadi and Wetang’ula in his fold.

His intensified visits in the region have fueled speculation of  ANC-UDA deal and deliberate attempts to slow down Azimio la Umoja movement led by Raila.

Ruto wrapped up his four-day tour of the region yesterday when he made a series of stopovers.

He said that he will not allow anyone spoil the party on August 9 by stealing elections.

“I have heard people say I will win the elections but will not be declared the winner because there are some people somewhere who refer to themselves as the deep State who will not allow it, that will not happen,” he said.

He said he will roll out a deliberate economic empowerment programme targeting the jobless and small scale traders if elected president. 

“We shall have Sh100 billion kitty to help create employment for the unemployed and this will be a matter of priority,” said Ruto.