Opposition leaders are liars out to destroy Kenya’s economy, says Deputy President William Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto addresses the nation during Jamhuri Day 52nd Celebrations 2015 at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 12/12/15. [PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

Deputy President William Ruto has described Opposition leaders as “reckless liars and economic saboteurs” determined to destroy the economy.

Mr Ruto said the war against graft can only be won if all leaders and Kenyans commit to the fight. “Every Kenyan must not engage in falsehoods, propaganda or allegations because those too undermine the fight against corruption,” said Ruto.

“All those engaging in propaganda or allegations are reckless liars or worse economic saboteurs of our economy.”

Speaking during the 52nd Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi, the DP appeared to be responding to CORD leader Raila Odinga who has sustained claims that the government cannot account for Sh140 billion from Eurobond proceeds.

The Opposition has maintained that financial reports by the National Treasury were not adding up and has insisted the government tells Kenyans how it spent Sh275 billion from the foreign bond.

Ruto said the Jubilee administration was committed to the fight against graft.

“As government, we are going take a firm stand against those who engage in wastage of public resources,” he added.

He said the government was ready to be held accountable on how it spends public resources.“The mandate bestowed on usby voters comes with huge responsibility and accountability. Because of that, we are prepared to be held accountable by institutions, Kenyans and individuals,” said Ruto.

He said there would be no junior or senior, Opposition or government in the fight against corruption.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero assured President Kenyatta of their commitment in fighting graft in the county government.

Dr Kidero decried the wide gap between the poor and the rich, blaming it on corruption. “The socio-economic inequality we have in our country...it is in our country where 10 per cent earn 80 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.