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Ruto vows keep slums, issue title deeds

Deputy President William Ruto addressing supporters at Kahawa West, Roy Sambu Sub-county on January 14, 2022. [Samson Wire. Standard].

Deputy President William Ruto has vowed not to demolish homes and promised title deeds to landowners in Nairobi if elected president in August.

At every stop of his day-long tour across Nairobi County, Ruto said he would not demolish business premises and houses of city dwellers "unlike what has been done before."

"I will bring the titles myself. No one will evict you again. No one will demolish your premises," Ruto told charged crowds on his campaign trail, yesterday.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa said: "Demolitions have become common in Nairobi," at the first stop in Marurui, Roysambu Constituency, adding. "that would stop under a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government."

Ruto fell shy of blaming lack of title deeds on the Jubilee administration. President Uhuru Kenyatta has faced criticism in the past following demolitions within the city.

At the same time, Ruto spoke highly of other successes of the current government, pointing at infrastructure projects among others.

Ruto has been chided for riding on this government's successes and his reluctance to embrace its failures.

The DP's tour of Nairobi was his second in a week, having campaigned in Eastlands on Wednesday.

He said Nairobi features prominently in the battle for State House "against Raila Odinga." 

Besides his plans to win over a large chunk of the city's 2.26 million voters, Ruto is keen to secure Nairobi's elective seats.

"I want you to elect a UDA governor, senator, MPs and MCAs," Ruto said as he introduced aspirants for various seats.

Former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru is a favourite to land UDA's nomination to vie for governor.

"Previous administrations have let us down by offering poor services," said Wanjiru.

In previous elections, the city's votes have been split almost down the middle, with Raila getting the edge against Uhuru in 2013 and 2017 in the presidential election.

The DP's incentives for Nairobi include 20 five-storeyed markets, consistent water supply and a Sh150 billion allocation to small and medium enterprises and youth employment.

He is also banking on his self-portrayal as a 'hustler', in touch with issues facing the downtrodden.

"Raila will only protect interests of the tycoons fronting his candidature... he is not a poor man but he invests abroad instead of in wananchi," he claimed, defending his frequent donations that Raila criticises.

"UDA is interested in changing the economy and putting money in the commoner's pockets," said Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

The DP dismissed Raila's Sh6,000 social welfare protection fund as "handouts that youth do not need."

Ruto addressed gatherings at Marurui, Kahawa West, Githurai 44, Zimmerman and Roysambu before heading to Kasarani.

Nominated senators Millicent Omanga, Isaac Mwaura and MPs Mohamed Ali (Nyali) Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central) Silvanas Osoro (South Mugirango), George Theuri (Embakasi West) and gospel singer Rufftone accompanied the DP.

The DP's caravan caused a traffic gridlock as the leaders made numerous stops and thousands thronged the road to listen to speeches. 

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