Deputy President William Ruto pushed back against criticism from a section of Rift Valley legislators who accused him of turning his tours into early political campaigns. Speaking at Narok Stadium on November 21, 2018, during the launch of the Narok County Universal Health programme, he said his role was to serve as the country’s second in command, not to campaign for 2022.
Ruto said the country still had several years of work ahead before the next election cycle, naming 2019, 2020 and 2021 as the period when leaders should concentrate on development. He argued that the immediate priority was to deliver services to Kenyans rather than dwell on succession politics.
“I have heard some talking of 2022 which is still very far away. We still have 2019, 2020 and 2021 which is still very far. What is there now is to serve the people of Kenya by giving them development,” said Ruto.
He also urged leaders and civil servants to promote unity instead of tribal or hateful politics. In his remarks, he welcomed the improving relationship between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying it pointed in the right direction.
“During last campaigns, our rivals used the slogan "Yote Yawezekana" change and we used "Tuko Pamoja". And indeed things have changed and we are now together,” said Ruto.
The Deputy President said he still had work to do in office and insisted that development should remain the main conversation in the country. “We have a long way to the 2022 elections. This is not the time to talk about it. This is the time to talk about issues that would transform Kenya,” he said.
He was accompanied by Governors Samuel Tunai of Narok, Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado and Joyce Laboso of Bomet. Also present were Phillip Mpaayei, the Kajiado Senator, and MPs Korei Lemei, George Sunkuyia, Gabriel Tongoyo and Lemanken Aramat.
