By DENNIS ONYANGO and DOMINICK MITIRO
Kisumu, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has reached out to Nyanza leaders to assist the Jubilee Government realise its development agenda.
Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, West Kenya Union Conference in Kisumu, Ruto asked the leaders to put aside their political differences and focus on development.
“The time for politics is gone. Let us now focus on development. Those who failed in the last General Election should now wait for another time,” said Ruto.
The DP recalled his once warm friendship with the Luo community, saying he looks forward to working with them for the region’s development.
“Zamani tulikuwa marafiki sana na watu wa Kisumu (The people of Kisumu and I once shared a good friendship),” joked Ruto amidst applause from the congregation.
Ruto said leadership is God chosen and appealed to the people to work with both the county and national governments.
All leaders elected by Kenyans have a collective responsibility to serve God and the people of Kenya, he stated.
Kill devolution
At the same time, Ruto absolved the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led government of claims that it is out to kill devolution.
Ruto said the Government is not holding any function that ought to have been devolved to the county government. “The national Government will not hold any function meant for the county government. We have devolved healthcare, roads and water alongside other roles,” he added.
He asked governors to be ready to account for the money trickling down to their respective counties, adding that the Government recently increased allocation to counties for better service delivery.
“The issue of accountability is non-negotiable. Everybody must prepare to account for how they spent the public money,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Jubilee government’s commitment to restore security in the country. Ruto said the State plans to deploy 10,000 police officers this year to beef up security in the country.
In addition, 7,000 others set to graduate this year will also join the train.
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On the issue of Nyakach, the DP said those living at the Kericho-Kisumu border should live in harmony.
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