Ruto faults VP record in hunt for Kamba vote

By Moses Njagih and Daniel Nzia

United Republican Party (URP) leader William Ruto led Jubilee Alliance vote hunting in Ukambani, challenging his CORD counterparts to focus on issue-based campaigns.

The Jubilee team traversed the vast Ukambani region, including Kitui and Makueni counties, perceived as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s stronghold. They urged the electorate to assess the capabilities of leaders seeking the presidency before making their choice during the March 4 general elections.

Accompanied by Water Minister and Narc leader Charity Ngilu, the team dismissed Kalonzo’s development track record over the period he has been in Government, urging the Kamba community not to be swayed by euphoria while electing their leaders.

Mr Ruto said instead of CORD leaders targeting him and Jubilee presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta, they should sell their policies to Kenyans and focus on issues to win the hearts of the electorate.

“Let them focus on issues. They should tell Kenyans what they will do to transform this country and spur its development instead of dwelling on Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto,” said Ruto. The Jubilee running mate said their government had drawn up a programme to alleviate hunger by improving food production and providing sufficient funds for irrigation.

“We want to know Ukambani for its food production and not for its relief food supplies. That is why we want to transform the way we do our farming,” he said.

Security concerns

Ruto said their team had plans to convert the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) into a universal medical fund. “We also want to transform our security forces so that they can multi-task and create within our nation a conducive environment that encourages investment. That way we can improve our economic growth by double digits,” he said.

To empower youth and women, Ruto said the Jubilee government would create a special accessible and interest free fund to encourage the groups to engage in micro-economic activities. “We respect our competitors but we are telling them the leadership of this country will be in the hands of the Jubilee,” he said.