Githinji Mwangi and DPPS

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday accused Opposition leader Raila Odinga of being the cause of Kenya’s political problems.

Ruto claimed Raila’s quest for a review of the Constitution “for selfish interest” was derailing development, as it had plunged the country into a campaign mood.

He challenged the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) to ask Raila the changes he needs in the Constitution instead of going around the country seeking the views of Kenyans.

“I’m telling the BBI people that instead of wasting Kenyans’ time by holding town hall meetings,  they should make an appointment with the  ODM leader at his home so that he can tell them the  problem in the Constitution to be amended in order for him to accept the outcome of the elections,” he said.

Speaking yesterday at a service at Our Lady of Sorrows, Baricho Catholic Parish in Kirinyaga County, Ruto said a referendum on the Constitution was the least in Kenyans’ priorities.

The DP said Kenya’s political problems  are caused by Raila’s tendency to challenge election results when he loses.

He accused the ODM leader of rejecting the people’s decisions and instead thriving in anarchy.

“People who fail to agree with the outcome of the elections and are now  threatening Kenyans with a tsunami cannot purport to  tell Kenyans  the problematic areas in the Constitution,” Ruto said. 

The DP said  Kenyans have no problem with the current Constitution and their only worry is development and the realisation of the Big Four agenda.

Ruto, who was accompanied by several MPs allied to Tanga Tanga faction which is  rooting  for his  2022 presidential bid, said the country can only  prosper through development, not empty talk and threats. 

Mt Kenya support

Leaders accompanying him, among them  Kirinyaga Woman Rep Wangui Ngirichi and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, assured him of Central Kenya’s  support for his presidential candidature. 

Ngirici  dismissed claims  by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi that the region is ready for a Raila presidency, terming her comments as personal.

Gachagua said the Mt Kenya region would continue to support President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy.