Deputy President William Ruto speaks against coalition deals

Deputy President William Ruto has said there is need for the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to ape Jubilee and form one party to avoid pushing for coalition deals.

Speaking during the Butsotso Culture Festival held at Matiha Grounds in Kakamega on Thursday, Ruto called on the Luhya community to support Jubilee Party ahead of the next General Election.

He noted that there is need for Kenyans to unite and avoid divisive politics that are based on region and ethnic orientation.

“URP has 76 Members of Parliament and yet we have decided that we will leave and join the new Jubilee Party so that we can form an inclusive government.”

“We are one nation and we need to unite. We have decided that we will leave URP, TNA, UDF and New Ford and join Jubilee Party,” he said.

The deputy president hit out at CORD for allegedly promoting region-based politics saying the country’s political landscape is undergoing a revolution and all parties should be part of it.

“You can choose a friend but God gives you a neighbour. I am your neighbour and we are brothers. We will walk this road together and form the next government.”

He downplayed CORD’s chances of winning in the next General Election saying Jubilee is well prepared to face them.

“If Raila-led CORD did not beat us in 2013 yet they were in government, how would they defeat us in 2017? We are well prepared for the elections.”

Ruto stated that he voted for Raila Odinga in 2007 because he is not tribal, adding that his support for President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 is also evidence of his dislike for tribalism.

“I was in ODM and I supported Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi. I am now supporting Uhuru Kenyatta because I am not tribal and I want the best for Kenya,” he said.

The DP further stated that the government is setting up 30 milk cooling plants in Kakamega County and a liquid nitrogen plant at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Headquarters in the county to work with a Bull Station in Kitale to produce hybrid cattle for milk and meat.

“Kenyans want cattle for milk and meat and not for bull fighting,” said Ruto.

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, in his address, hit out at Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa for working with  Jubilee while at the same time downplaying his influence in the region.

He said that Wamalwa’s support for Jubilee will have no bearing in the next elections since he does not command a following in the region.

“Eugene is not active in politics by law, and even if he was active the seniority depends on longevity in the practice of politics.”

He said that the Luhya community will not support Jubilee Party, noting that the region will work with Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Cyrus Jirongo to form the next government.