Raila will only protect rich people, says DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto at Chivaywa Teachers Training College in Lugari yesterday. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto campaigned in Western Kenya yesterday where he said that ODM leader Raila Odinga has no interest in the welfare of majority poor.

Ruto landed at Chevwai Technical Training Institute in Lugari constituency at around 3pm where he took time to explain his bottom up economic model.

Even as he took credit for the completion of some roads by the Jubilee government, Ruto promised that his government would improve infrastructure by building new roads and completing those already under construction.

He said his government would create wealth for all Kenyans. 

"We shall change the economy of this country to take care of the youth, women and old men. After the August election, my government will spend Sh1 billion in improving agribusiness, manufacturing and housing," Ruto promised.

"It is our business as a government to help you build your business. SMEs account for 80 per cent of our country's business," he said.

Ruto criticised a group of rich individuals who, he said, sat in a hotel in Nairobi to endorse Raila for the presidency.

"Did you send any representative to that meeting?" Ruto asked. He urged the people to refrain from voting for leaders ‘imposed’ on them and whose major concern will be to protect the interests of a few super rich individuals. 

"No matter how many billions you have, you only have one vote," Ruto said.

He was accompanied by Boni Khalwale, Benjamin Washiali, Rashid Echesa, Didmus Barasa, Peninah Mukabane and John Walukhe who promised to campaign for him.

Ruto said he was not bothered by the fact that Raila Odinga was a ‘state sponsored’ candidate.

"Do you want to vote for people who want to selfishly change the constitution or those who want to genuinely improve the economy?” Ruto posed. 

 Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have visited Western region many times in the last few months. 

The number of registered voters as per 2017 Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission data show that Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia counties had about 1.4 million voters.

The figures are likely to go higher after voter registration next month. 

While belittling the efforts of other presidential contestants, Ruto refrained from attacking Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang'ula.

UDA and ODM are competing for the attention of Musalia who has stated he contest the presidency.