by Titus Oteba and Yusuf Masibo

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday told Kenyans that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is too old to lead the country.

 Speaking at Wabukhonyi market in Tongaren constituency, Bungoma county, Ruto said the country needs a young and vibrant leader to steer it to the higher level of development.

The Deputy President said the country was facing numerous challenges that Raila cannot sort out, but only an energetic leader.

 “The country is facing so many challenges including huge debts that are supposed to be paid and many unemployed youths, can the old man handle them? Consider electing us and you will see the tremendous changes in our economy,” Ruto said.

 He alleged that the country should be left to the hands of energetic people to lead instead of pushing for an old man, who will get exhausted along the way.

 Unfriendly person

Ruto further claimed Raila was being fronted by people who wanted to continue ruling the country through back door and were in fear that their ill-gotten wealth might be confiscated if unfriendly person takes over.

 “Those who are fronting the old man are known very well. He cannot manage them. The country will be safe in Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders, who understand what hustlers are facing at the grass-roots. That is why we are advocating for the bottom-up economic model so that the grass root person is also empowered economically,” held the DP.

 Ruto said the collaboration of Kenya Kwanza Alliance comprising United Democratic Alliance, Amani National Congress and Ford Kenya leaders is lethal and are indisputable winners in the August polls. He noted that the collaboration, which already has 180 members of Parliament will form the next government.

He claimed that those supporting Raila were hiding behind him so that they can continue perfecting dictatorship and tribalism in the country.

“Let those tycoons sitting in high-end hotels to plan on how to share power understand that they are lost. They do not understand that votes are with the grass root voters who will decide their next Head of State,” he said.

 The DP called on Bungoma residents and Kenyans at large to support and elect Kenya Kwanza leaders so that they can change the country’s fortunes.

He said if elected president, his priority will be to assist jobless youths get finances to help them venture into business to earn a livelihood.

Remote controlled

“We shall set aside Sh100 billion to help solve unemployment of youths immediately we assume office while Sh50 billion will be set aside for micro-enterprises,” said Ruto.  

ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi explained that they joined forces as Kenya Kwanza so that they can help change the lives of down-trodden Kenyans, who are unable to neither feed nor clothe themselves because of the poor economy.

He said Azimio is a government project; which is why Raila will be remote-controlled through a picked deputy who will be identified by the tycoons.

“We do not want a government run by proxy, a remote-controlled leader. We want a hands-on government that will help Kenyans but not protect tycoons,” noted Mudavadi. He took a swipe at the Democratic Action Party of Kenya, saying the outfit is a side-kick of ODM. “They are easily manipulated and cannot help Kenyans. It is only Kenya Kwanza that has the interest of Kenyans at heart and will help them realise their dreams,” said Mudavadi.

Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula took a swipe at Raila for never supporting other leaders and is ever busy fighting for himself as the presidential candidate “We will not support Raila to rule this country as he has proved to be an untrustworthy and disrespectful leader in our previous engagements,” he said.