Ruto Turns Down Interviews From Mt Kenya Billionaires

Deputy President William Ruto worshiping with congregants during Sunday service at The Global Cathedral on September 12 2021
Deputy President William Ruto worshiping with congregants during Sunday service at The Global Cathedral on September 12 2021

Deputy President William Ruto has expressed displeasure over what he termed as unnecessary and inconsequential interviews of presidential hopefuls from a foundation run by Mt Kenya billionaires ahead of 2022 General Election.

Speaking in Isiolo Town on Sunday, October 10, the DP, who has expressed interest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, claimed that he did not need the support of individuals to serve Kenyans.

He also noted that he was not interested in playing boardroom and hotel politics run by a few but was interested in interacting with actual voters.

"There are some people who are in hotels in Nairobi that claim you have sent them to carry out interviews on those who want to become President."

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and LAPSSET Chairman Titus Ibui and Mt Kenya Foundation Chairman Peter Munga
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and LAPSSET Chairman Titus Ibui and Mt Kenya Foundation Chairman Peter Munga
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"Have you sent any individuals to hotels to interview Presidential hopefuls?" he questioned.

The DP further claimed that the billionaires and wealthy individuals from Mt Kenya do not hold the interest of the people at heart.

"As you look for the people who look after your wealth, these ordinary citizens are looking for a president who will give them jobs," he added.

Towards the end of September, members of the foundation met former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a forum that was held at a city hotel.

Among the community leaders present were billionaire businessmen whose combined net worth would match the GDP of a small country. 

They include President Uhuru Kenyatta's maternal uncle George Muhoho, former Permanent Secretary and Lapsset chairman Titus Ibui, banking guru Peter Munga, media mogul S.K Macharia, former Kenya Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair James Mureu, among others. 

In his rallies after the meeting, the former Prime Minister promised to ensure that all unemployed Kenyans receive a stipend of Ksh6,000 from the government every month.

Speaking in Naivasha on Saturday, October 9, Raila promised that social welfare would be created under his tenure that would ensure Ksh6,000 monthly disbursement to unemployed Kenyans is followed through.

“We want every Kenyan to get a job but for those who are unemployed, there will be a social welfare state through which they will get Ksh6,000 monthly stipend,” he stated.

In his Sunday rally, the former PM revealed that intense vote-lobbying in Mt Kenya was yet to come. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta's maternal uncle George Muhoho meeting with ODM leader Raila Odinga on September 28
President Uhuru Kenyatta's maternal uncle George Muhoho meeting with ODM leader Raila Odinga on September 28
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