Two days after Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga visited Meru, Deputy President William Ruto campaigned there on Thursday. If he wins the election, DP Ruto has pledged to lower living costs within his first 100 days in office.
Dr. Ruto stated that if elected he will guarantee that Kenyans no longer suffer the weight of the high cost of basic necessities while touring Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties.
“The farmers are suffering because fertiliser is very expensive. We will make sure a bag retails at Sh2,500 from the current Sh7,000. We will also ensure the farmer gets certified seeds and other inputs and produces food that will help us reduce the cost of living,” Dr Ruto said.
Rigathi Gachagua, Dr. Ruto’s running mate, rebuked President Kenyatta for claiming that the DP was selling hollow promises to Kenyans in his platform. He said that despite the overwhelming support he received from Mount Kenya people, Mr. Odinga was consulted by the President after the rerun elections in 2017.
“You are the liar because after we pushed and voted for you during the repeat elections you betrayed us and the people of Kenya. You made many promises but later deserted the people of this region,” Mr Gachagua said.
DP Ruto added that while he and other leaders supported Uhuru’s rise to power, he ultimately betrayed them.
“I am not competing with you because you are retiring so let me face Mr Odinga. Be honourable, if somebody helps you, please respect them,” he said.
Speaking in Meru Town, Mr. Gachagua disregarded a court ruling that caused him to forfeit Sh200 million in mysterious fortune to the government.
“I am not interested in that money and they can take it, and let me tell them I will not stop supporting Ruto because of the intimidation,” said Mr Gachagua.
DP Ruto also added that Mr. Odinga was complaining to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) because he felt defeated.
