William Ruto defends parastatal appointments, calls for unity

Deputy President William Ruto speaking at Flax in Uasin Gishu County on January 3, 2014. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The Deputy President called upon all leaders to stop come together, saying there were many programmes waiting to be implemented
• Speaking at the same function, Kericho County senator Charles Keter said there was no

By DENNIS LUBANGA
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Deputy President William Ruto has defended the appointment of heads of parastatals and called on leaders to set aside their differences and come together to move the country forward.

Speaking on Friday at Flax in Uasin Gishu County during an event to celebrate boys who had undergone the rite of passage at William Chepkut’s home, Mr Ruto accused those criticising the appointments of being out to destabilise the government.

“Instead of always criticising President Kenyatta’s appointments of heads of different government departments, they should instead come to me and ask why the President is doing so,” Mr Ruto said. (READ: Leaders back Uhuru for offering Muthaura job)

The Deputy President at the same time called upon all leaders to come together, saying there were many programmes waiting to be implemented by the two arms of the government before the end of the year.

“As we begin the year, leaders should know that Kenyans expect a lot from us. We should come together despite which coalitions we voted for so that we can unite all Kenyans and make sure we implement all the programmes in both the National and County governments for the benefit of the nation,” he stated.

“Leaders who look at Kenyans using tribal lenses have no place in the society. We want a nation that is moving ahead in prosperity.”

NO DISUNITY IN JUBILEE

Speaking at the same function, Kericho County senator Charles Keter, a close ally of Mr Ruto, said there was no disunity in the Jubilee government.

Echoing Deputy President Ruto’s sentiments, Keter advised leaders to stop criticising the government and instead give the President and his deputy time to deliver on their promises.

“This year leaders should stop politicking and instead serve Kenyans in accordance with their promises. There is also great need for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy Ruto to be given ample time so that they can work and deliver on the promises they made on the campaign trail,” Keter said.

Others present at the event were Uasin Gishu County governor Jackson Mandago, his Nandi County counterpart Cleophas Lagat, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, his Marakwet East counterpart Kangogo Bowen, former cabinet ministers Prof Margaret Kamar and Nicholas Biwott among others.