This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto addressed a business-oriented fundraiser at Meru National Polytechnic, emphasizing the importance of leaders being motivated by growth rather than propaganda.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ruto stated, "I have come to Meru several times and I will keep coming until I streamline the issues affecting this country. As Jubilee leaders, we were elected on the promise of delivering development and all of us must do that. The rest have nothing much but to make noise," he said.
During his visit, Dr. Ruto toured Meru Level Five Hospital, where he pledged to provide ICU equipment worth Sh100 million and establish a cancer centre to promote Universal Health Coverage.
He also called for increased nationwide early cancer screening to reduce the disease burden.
Dr. Ruto was accompanied by several MPs, including Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, MPs Mugambi Rindikiri, Rahim Dawood, Rigathi Gachagua, Moses Kirima, Beatrice Nkatha, Tecla Tum, and Halima Mucheke.
The MPs expressed their support for Dr. Ruto's 2022 presidential bid and accused a section of Jubilee politicians of working against the party's principals.
They claimed that these unidentified politicians were forcing them to back ODM leader Raila Odinga instead of supporting Dr. Ruto.
Mr. Gachagua stated, "Those making noise about DP Ruto’s programmes of supporting Kenyans should stop making noise. We should not be forced into supporting other politicians because we are behind the DP," he added.
Senator Linturi said President Uhuru Kenyatta had made a commitment to back his deputy, who is capable of taking over.
Mr. Kirima urged Jubilee supporters to shun nominated MP Maina Kamanda, who is campaigning for an ODM candidate in the Kibra by-election instead of their own.
