Ruto Breaks Silence on Martha Karua's Nomination

DP William Ruto at the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya National Convention, at Nairobi Baptist Church, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
DP William Ruto at the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya National Convention, at Nairobi Baptist Church, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
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Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed the nomination of Martha Karua as Azimio la Umoja One Kenya's presidential running mate ahead of the August 9 General Election.

Speaking in Kajiado County on Monday, May 16, Ruto took issue with the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's decision to assign Karua constitutional reforms duties if Azimio wins the August polls.

The second-in-command argued that Kenya is currently under economic downfall and that changing the 2010 Constitution is not a top priority for Kenyans.

"Our competitor has unveiled his deputy nominee and gave her work to change the constitution in case they win. Kenyans want economic revival, not constitutional change," Ruto explained.

From left Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Murang'a Woman Rep. Sabina Chege, Narc Kenya party leader MarthaKarua and Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga at the KICC during the running mate
From left Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Murang'a Woman Rep. Sabina Chege, Narc Kenya party leader MarthaKarua and Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga during the running mate unveiling ceremony at the KICC on Monday, May 16, 2022
Martha Karua

Defending the roles he assigned Kenya Kwanza running mate nominee, Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto noted that he will be tasked with developing a new economic blueprint aimed at reviving the country's economy.

"Yesterday [Sunday] I unveiled [Mr] Gachagua as my deputy nominee and gave him the duty of coming up with an economic plan for each and every county," Ruto told Kajiado residents.

Ruto reiterated his plan to create job opportunities to over four million unemployed youths and empower 10 million small and medium-sized enterprises countrywide. He further affirmed his administration’s commitment to revive the agricultural sector through subsidies, agro-processing, and value addition.

Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila while nominating her running mate, Karua, tasked her with the responsibility of continuing with constitutional reforms.  Odinga noted that Karua will also add up as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs should they form the next government.

"As a co-worker I want her to finalise the work of making our Constitution. I want this done because when the late Kibaki and I admitted that our constitution was a work in progress… Because I am a man of my words, I will task her with the assignment of completing what we started and I am persuaded that she has the right pair of hands to accomplish this task," Odinga stated.

At the same, leaders aligned to Kenya Kwanza castigated Raila following the decision by Wiper Party leader to quit the coalition. Leading the team, Ruto stated that Azimio la Umoja one Kenya was founded on deceit and empty promises that is why Kalonzo bolted out.

"Leaders of high calibre are ditching the Azimio coalition every day. It began with [Mr] Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula. Today, we have seen [Mr] Musyoka and [Kanu leader] Gideon Moi leaving. If these people can deceive fellow leaders, they can do worse to millions of innocent Kenyans," Ruto remarked.

At the moment, Ruto has dispatched a team to convince Kalonzo to join Kenya Kwanza with a promise of giving a better deal in government and consolidating the Eastern Kenya support base.

Deputy President William Ruto (right) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua (left) pose for a photo with their significant others.
Deputy President William Ruto (right) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua (left) pose for a photo with their significant others on Sunday, May 15.
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