‘I will dismantle them': Kenyan president, Ruto, dares opposition, signals reluctance to step down
Given the proximity of the Kenyan presidential elections, campaign banter between potential rivals has begun making rounds, including sentiments from the country's current president, William Ruto.
Kenya's President William Ruto addresses opposition criticisms during a church event in Kivaywa Primary School.
Ruto accuses opposition figures of tribalism and lacking actionable plans for Kenya's future.
He asserts the importance of creating jobs, improving education, and addressing healthcare challenges.
During a church event held at Kivaywa Primary School on Sunday, June 15th, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, expressed concerns about his opposition's plans for the future of the East African country, especially considering his suspicion of their alleged tribalistic agenda.
He used this concern as a basis for a stance that seemed too assertive, as he noted that he has no plans to relinquish administrative control to them.
'These other people (opposition) have no plan, don't waste time on them. We will not hand over power to people who have no plan,' the president expressed.
'Their only plan is that 'Ruto must go.' How will that help Kenyans and the country?'
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Eugene Wamalwa of the DAP-K, and former Interior Chief Security Officer Fred Matiang'i were among the opposition figures whom Ruto criticized for their inability to change the nation, as seen on The Standard.
'These people cannot do anything. They just want to tell stories. Will you accept the mere rhetoric of people who have no plan?' the president presented the question to the congregation.
He then went on to label accusations of tribalism, division, and hatred against the opposition, urging them to keep the Kenyan people away from their battles, and instead face him.
'If they have a problem with me, they should come and face me. I will dismantle them. The important thing is to plan how to create jobs for our youth, improve education, and healthcare. That should be the priority for Kakamega, Western Kenya, and the nation,' he said.
'People of Kakamega and Western Kenya have long suffered from unbalanced budgets. This time, we have allocated Sh2 billion for roads from Kakamega Airstrip to Shinyalu and Chepsonoi,' the president added.
Fresh Ruto must go chants
Ruto recently had a run-in with the Kenyan people, who expressed displeasure at his initial silence concerning the death of the social media personality and educator Albert Ojwang.
This fresh round of criticism opened the conversation of Ruto's popularity, with protesters under the banner of 'Ruto must go' calling yet again for the resignation of the president.
He would later speak, stating 'I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served,' Ruto said.
'Like most Kenyans, and especially as a parent, I received the news of the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody with utter shock and deep dismay.
I take this moment to extend my heartfelt condolences to Meshack Ojwang and his family for the cruel loss of their beloved son," he added.
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