Don't fool Kenyans with unga prices, DP William Ruto tells government

DP William Ruto addresses supporters in Gikomba on July 17, 2022. [Edwards Kiplimo, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has poured cold water on the government's plan to lower the cost of maize flour saying it was aimed at hoodwinking Kenyans to vote for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

Addressing rallies at Tulia, Kwa Kinyai and Katulani markets in Kitui County yesterday, Ruto warned the government against fooling Kenyans with political handouts.

He said the government had failed to cushion Kenyans from the high cost of living and escalating food prices.

"The reason we have hunger in Kenya today is because we failed to implement the Big 4 agenda that had food security as one of its pillars. They ignored the fertiliser subsidy that would have allowed farmers to produce enough food. You cannot give food handouts for only 30 days, that is mockery," Ruto said at Tulia market in Kitui West.

He claimed the Big 4 agenda was hijacked by Raila through his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The UDA presidential candidate promised to prioritise revival of the economy to improve the living standards of mwananchi, if he ascends to power.

Ruto further pledged to offer incentives to farmers such as free seeds and subsidized fertiliser to increase agricultural production and boost food security.

"Economy is my number one priority. We shall bring the cost of living down for the benefit of suffering Kenyans," he said.  

The DP promised to address youth unemployment, saying the job crisis was a danger to political and economic stability.

"We are going to have a marshal plan to absorb all jobless Kenyan youth. We shall inject Sh2 billion every year to create jobs and opportunities for the unemployed youth," he stated.

Ruto promised that Kenya Kwanza government would also create a Hustlers Fund where Sh50 billion would be injected every year to enable small-scale traders to access unsecured loans.

He hit out at Raila saying he has no agenda to steer growth of the country.

Ruto claimed the Azimio presidential candidate had taken Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for a ride for many years.

He said he would rescue Kalonzo from Raila's grip and toxic politics.

"I know Kalonzo doesn't like me but I am ready to help him. The only problem is that he seems to have been incited by Raila but I will still help him," Ruto said adding that Raila is dishonest.

The DP challenged the Azimio presidential candidate to accept the election outcome saying Kenya Kwanza supporters will not allow him to hold demonstrations or swear himself in if he loses.