DP Ruto Breaks Silence on Jubilee Purge With Appeal to Kenyans

Ruto and Tuju collage
Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju (right).
File

Deputy President William Ruto broke his silence on the Jubilee purge which has greatly reduced his influence in the National Assembly and Senate. 

Speaking during a burial in Nandi County on Friday, July 3, he noted that the reorganisation and regrouping would not dampen his bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

He asked Kenyans to pray for him as he completes his second term as deputy president. 

Deputy President William Ruto at the burial of Mzee Tarus in Nandi County on July 3, 2020
Deputy President William Ruto at the burial of Mzee Tarus in Nandi County on July 3, 2020
DPPS

“If you see them coming together because of me, it is because I am not a weak candidate, pray for me,” he told the mourners. 

“Even though there are many challenges in political parties and the country as a whole, all of us need to know that we can only succeed if we work together. 

He urged the locals not to be drawn into politics that brews animosity and conflict between them.

Aldai MP Cornelius Serem vowed that no amount of intimidation would distract them from their 2022 goal.

“After the purge in Jubilee we have decided that you are either with us or you dine with the opponents,” he declared. 

Jubilee Deputy Secretary-General Caleb Kositany who also accompanied Ruto poked holes into the ruling party. 

He reiterated that funds were being mismanaged by the management of the party and money which was supposed to cater to grassroot offices was squandered. 

“If Uasin Gishu, home of the deputy party leader of Jubilee, has no party office, how are the funds that we contribute monthly and other donations spent?” he questioned. 

He asked the alleged opposers of the DP to field their own preferred candidate to challenge Ruto. 

Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel at the burial of Mzee Tarus in Nandi County on July 3, 2020
Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel at the burial of Mzee Tarus in Nandi County on July 3, 2020
DPPS