This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has launched a scathing attack on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, warning him against interfering in Jubilee Party affairs.
Speaking at Kabaci village in Embu County on Saturday, Dr Ruto accused Mr Odinga of plotting to split Jubilee for his own selfish political interests.
"Huyu mtu wa vitandawili (this man of proverbs) is trying to destroy Jubilee, thinking that by doing so he will ascend to power. I want to tell him that Jubilee is built on a strong foundation and he will not succeed in bringing it down," Dr Ruto said.
Dr Ruto reiterated that Jubilee was united and Mr Odinga would not be allowed to mess it up, urging him to sort out the mess in his party instead of intruding into Jubilee.
He accused Mr Odinga and his ilk of lecturing Jubilee leaders on how to run the party, saying it was ridiculous that a man who was struggling to manage his own party was teaching Jubilee leaders how to manage theirs.
Dr Ruto also lashed out at the contractor awarded the tender to construct the multi-million Kiritiri-Siakogo road, accusing him of incompetence.
He revealed that his tender had been cancelled and the contract awarded to another contractor, warning that the government would continue dealing ruthlessly with cowboy contractors.
Dr Ruto was in Embu County to officially launch a Sh100 million Siakago Training Technical Institute, and he used the opportunity to announce that the government had set aside Sh800 million to provide electricity to an extra 15,000 Embu residents.
He also announced that Sh2.5 billion had been allocated to construct dams in Embu to enhance food production in the arid Mbeere area.
Dr Ruto's remarks were echoed by six Jubilee Members of Parliament from Mount Kenya region, who vowed to be alert and ensure Mr Odinga does not split Jubilee.
They also swore to continue supporting Dr Ruto's 2022 presidential bid, with Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga praising Dr Ruto as a hard working leader who has contributed enormously to the nation building.
"We have thrown our weight behind Dr Ruto's 2022 presidential bid, we shall not retreat," said Muriuki Njagagua, insisting that Kenya required a strong and youthful Head of State.
