DP Ruto Reacts to You Can Rent But Not Buy a Kikuyu Slogan

Deputy President William Ruto speaking on Inooro TV in August 2021
Deputy President William Ruto speaking on Inooro TV in August 2021
Citizen Digital

The Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday, July 22, dismissed a slogan used by a section of Mt Kenya politicians that you can rent but not buy a Kikuyu.

Ruto stated the slogan was retrogressive and is used by a group of politicians who have lost the support of the people at the grassroots and are crafting ways to divide Kenyans along tribal lines.

While addressing a delegation from Kirinyaga at his Karen home, the DP insisted the slogan was an insult to Kenyans since they are wise enough to make correct political decisions.

Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru with Deputy President William Ruto
Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru with Deputy President William Ruto
File

Ruto argued that Kenyans are in a better position to differentiate between progressive and retrogressive leaders and do not need any politician to tell them how to make their decisions.

“If you don’t have a development agenda to take Kenya to the next level, don’t say there are people who can be bought or rented. There is no Kenyan who can be bought or rented.

“We all know what we are doing and Kenyans are intelligent enough to make informed decisions. They don’t have to be bought, they know what they are doing,” Ruto argued.

The slogan has been rampant among the proponents of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) from the Mt Kenya region.

“You can rent a Kikuyu but you cannot buy a Kikuyu,” Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru was once quoted as opining about why Mt Kenya region counties would pass the BBI.

Members of Parliament present at the meeting assured the DP of their support come 2022.

“Your Excellency the Deputy President, you are a leader who has been tested and has shown results. We will support you,” Mathira MP Rigathe Gachagua affirmed.

His remarks were echoed by his colleague George Kariuki who is the Ndiya member of parliament.

Other members of parliament present include Alice Wahome (Kandara), John Kiarie ( Dagoretti South), and Purity Ngirici (Kirinyaga Woman Rep).

DP,William Ruto attending service at Newbreed City Chapel Kiambu County
DP, William Ruto attending service at Newbreed City Chapel Kiambu County
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