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Deputy President William Ruto yesterday led Kenya Kwanza campaigns in Mombasa and Kilifi counties where he accused the ‘Handshake’ government of abetting corruption.

Addressing a rally in Msabaha Malindi in Kilifi County, during day two of his tour of the Coast yesterday, Ruto said Raila Odinga was on record confirming the government loses Sh700 billion every year through graft.

“If the ‘Handshake’ government has confirmed that they loot Sh700 billion every year, how can they be trusted to run the government?” he asked. He added that Raila cannot escape the corruption tag because he is part and parcel of the ‘handshake’ government.

He also accused Raila of snatching the roles of Deputy President under the ‘handshake’ deal with President Kenyatta.

Maendeleo Chap Chap leader Alfred Mutua and Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure echoed the sentiments, saying the fact that Raila is unable to stop pilferage of Sh700 billion every year is a clear indication he will allow looting to continue should he be given an opportunity to run Kenya.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said Ruto is currently the only presidential contender running an organised agenda-laden campaign.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya asked Coastal residents to support a Kenya Kwanza government as the only sure way to revert port services to the residents.

He asked Kilifi people to support Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa as the next governor.

On her part, Jumwa urged  Ruto and Kingi to consider PAA gubernatorial aspirant George Kithi for a position in their set-up to pave the way for her governor quest, saying she is best placed to beat Gedion Mung’aro (ODM).

As Ruto traversed the coast, running mate Rigathi Gachagua was in Uasin-Gishu county where he promised many goodies should they clinch power in August.

Gachagua led other politicians during forums held at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin-Gishu county, and at Iten in Elgeyo-Marakwet county. He faulted the way the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was rolled out.

Review commission

He said Kenya Kwanza would ensure a commission is set up involving all stakeholders to review the system.

“Even teachers do not understand CBC. How are they expected to teach learners?” asked Gachagua.

The Mathira MP drummed up support for UDA’s bottom-up economic model, reiterating that their government would set aside Sh50 billion annually to support small scale businesses.

Uasin-Gishu County UDA aspirant Jonathan Bii alias ‘Koti Moja’ promised to support Jua Kali artisans set up shades. “The sector employs thousands of our people and we will make sure we offer them a conducive environment. We will set up an industrial park for them,” said Mr Bii, who will face off with Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki (independent).

Others who accompanied Gachagua included: Kiambu UDA gubernatorial candidate William Kabogo, Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Uasin-Gishu Woman Re Gladys Shollei, as well as UDA aspirants for various positions.

Gachagua:

He was categorical that the new system should be reviewed with the involvement of all stakeholders.

“As much as we have problems, we cannot wake up one day and do a total overhaul of the whole system. Let’s review it progressively,” said Gachagua.