Respect the Constitution, DP William Ruto tells Opposition

Deputy President William Ruto hugs mama Lenah Chelele, a kiosk owner at Jua Kali centre, Kamagut in Eldoret where he ate lunch yesterday. [Photo: Kevin Tunoi/standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has maintained that it is the responsibility of every citizen to respect the Constitution and all institutions it governs.

Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of 15 interdenominational churches at Jua Kali in Turbo constituency, Ruto said the Constitution was not meant to satisfy the urge of selfish individuals.

"It does not matter whether we like a few things and reject others, there is no short cut other than respecting the Constitution," he said.

The Opposition is leading nationwide demonstrations against the Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"The Opposition has made it clear that they have issues with IEBC, courts, Parliament and Kenya National Human Rights, since when did the Constitution stop being progressive yet we made the whole world know that we have a law to respect? " he wondered.

The DP reiterated that the country would not plunge into violence during the coming elections because he and President Uhuru Kenyatta were focused on unity for a purpose. He said some politicians were pushing their selfish agenda through demonstrations so that they could ascend to power.

Plotting demonstrations

"We do not want to go back to chaos that rocked our country in 2007-2008. Elections shall be peaceful, fair and transparent," he added.

Ruto said every leader should seek votes from the electorate and should not coerce the public through incitement and mass action.

"While they (Opposition) are busy with whistles and sitting on the tarmac along the streets plotting for demonstrations, we are busy providing service to the public, ours is not for selfish gain but to fulfil the wishes of the electorate who elected us," he added.

Ruto hinted that the Jubilee administration was working towards making education in day schools free as a move to provide an equal opportunity to every student.

"In two years' time, we will ensure that students in day schools access education without pay...to make sure that parents are free from the burden of looking for fees," he explained.