'Selling public assets is your record,' Gachagua hits back at President Ruto

Opposition leaders say it is President Ruto whose track record is questionable, accusing his administration of extra-judicial killings and the decline of key state parastatals.

President Ruto’s latest barbs at the opposition have been hard-hitting, dismissing their push to unseat him, insisting they lack both a development track record and the political muscle to convince voters.

But the opposition has hit back, branding the President’s record as troubling and accusing him of undoing previous gains.

"You are the only President since Independence who has given orders for young people to be shot in the leg. That is your record. Selling public assets, that is your record," said Rigathi Gachagua, Party Leader, DCP.

The United Opposition has also opposed plans to sell stakes in Kenyan companies, warning against what they term reckless privatisation.

"We cannot accept Kenyan companies being sold carelessly. Even if it is Vodafone, a global brand, they must reconsider any relationship tied to President Ruto," said Kalonzo Musyoka.

After accusing Kisii Governor Simba Arati of disrupting their rallies, the leaders are asking him to switch allegiance and join former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s camp.

"Na sasa sisi Arati tunamwambia arudi asalimu amri kwa Matiang'i wafanye kazi pamoja," said Eugene Wamalwa.

"We want to tell Governor Simba Arati the tide is turning and it is time he decided which side he wants to be on," Kalonzo added. 

"Tufikirie mambo ya kuleta manufaa kwa watu wetu," Matiang'i pointed out. 

Gachagua has also sustained his criticism of Kipsigis leaders, accusing them of failing to stand up to President William Ruto, alleging he has neglected development in the region.

"Hawa watu wa kasongo viongozi wa Kipsigis wanalia kama panya imeshikwa na mtego na mimi nimekuwa tu hapo dakika kumi pekee yake mimi naambia nyinyi viongozi wa Kipsigis mmeumiza hao sana hawana maji hawana barabara," said Rigathi Gachagua.

The United Opposition has wrapped up its three-day tour of the Gusii region, with much of its charm offensive focused on rallying support for Fred Matiang’i in his home turf.