Deputy President William Ruto has told political leaders from the Luhya community not to blindly support the losing side in the 2017 elections.
Ruto said that supporting the losing side would mean that the leaders would be stuck in the opposition and hence out of the country’s mainstream politics.Speaking at Kimilili Boys High school grounds in Bungoma County on Sunday, Ruto said it would be impossible for the politicians from the regions to be elected to the presidency without the support of other communities,
saying there is need for the leaders to work together.“If you want one of your own to ascend to the country’s leadership in future you will need the support of other Kenyans, and this can only be possible if you support leaders from other regions now who will then support one of your own in future,” he said.
The deputy president reiterated that he would be vying for the presidency in 2022 after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s two constitutional terms end.
Ruto was speaking during a church service and a fundraiser in aid of St Leo the Great Catholic Church.
He further urged Kenyans to shun tribalism, and hatred and embrace unity ahead of the anticipated visit by Pope Francis on Wednesday.
“As Kenyans we are one nation, one people and one country and we must eliminate any negative divisions that tend to impede our development as a people,” he said.“Transformation of the country will not be realised if every one single tribe in the country advanced their own interests based on very narrow considerations.”
Ruto’s peace calls are an emphasis of his message in Migori on Saturday where he called on political leaders to shun divisive politics and embrace unity.
Speaking at Nyamasese and Kehancha grounds at Kuria West Constituency, Ruto called on political leaders to focus on development rather than engaging in divisive politics.
“Our mission and vision as Jubilee is to unite the people of Kenya. We are not interested in politics that divide Kenyans on tribal, community, or regional grounds,” said Ruto.
“Future politics will be based on how leaders have helped improve roads, health and education among other development projects and not empty rhetoric.”
He further stated that Jubilee is ready to face the opposition in the 2017 General Election with a new party to be unveiled soon.
Other members of Parliament who said they supported Jubilee were Suleiman Murunga (Kimilili), Robert Pukose (Endebbes) Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Trans Nzoia Women rep Janet Nangabo and her Bungoma counterpart Reginalda Wanyonyi.