This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has predicted a landslide victory for Jubilee party candidate MacDonald Mariga in the upcoming Kibra by-election, dismissing opposition from the National Super Alliance (Nasa) and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at various events in Baringo County, Dr Ruto said the Jubilee party will win big in the November 7 by-election to prove to Mr Odinga that he is ripe to retire from politics.
He also took a swipe at Mr Odinga, saying he is too old to engage in politics and should retire.
“If he is not aware, we will show him by winning big in the Kibra by-election. We will beat him hands down and he should start by packing,” Dr Ruto said in the Kalenjin dialect.
Dr Ruto said the Jubilee government will focus on its manifesto to improve the living standards of all Kenyans and not dwell in cheap politics.
He also announced that the Jubilee party will focus on technical training, housing, food security, and creating job opportunities, and that more than Sh1billion had been set aside for the Last Mile Connectivity project in Baringo County which will benefit more than 25,000 households.
He also announced that more than Sh4 billion had also been set aside for the supply of water from Chemasusu dam in Eldama Ravine to Mogotio, Emining and Rongai towns.
“The Sh2 billion phase two of Kirandich dam in Kabarnet that had stalled for more than six years will soon be complete with a sewerage system within the town,” he said.
Dr Ruto was accompanied by Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui, Wildlife Service Principal Secretary Fred Segor, EALA MP Florence Jematia, Governor Stanley Kiptis and other local leaders.
