Deputy President William Ruto responded to accusations of having a problem with anger management after his outbursts at a Kenya Kwanza rally in Vihiga County on Wednesday, July 13.
Addressing a charged crowd in Nyamonyo, Kisii county, Ruto explained that he lost his cool because of the economic situation in the country that has seen the cost of living skyrocket.
He complained that his competitors were detached from the state of affairs in the country, with Kenyans bearing the brunt of it all.
"My detractors are alleging that I have an anger problem, but who can laugh with the current economic situation in the country? We are not happy. There are Kenyans who sleep hungry because of the high cost of living. We are angry because things are not okay."
"Those who are pleased with the current situation are ones who are not aware of the costly expenses of basic commodities. To my competitors, let us talk about issues that are affecting Kenyans on a day-to-day basis," he stated.
The DP, however, did not respond to the attack on a youthful supporter during the Vihiga county- a clip that went viral Wednesday afternoon, July 13.
During the rally, Ruto reprimanded a supporter for interrupting his speech while he was addressing the crowd.
"Let us have respect. If anyone has been sent here to cause chaos at our meeting, reveal yourself early or just leave. Sloya will not leave but will address the meeting later. Young man, do not answer me. On what basis would you answer me? Do not bring trouble here and if you want, then leave but respect our gathering," he lamented.
The DP's speech was interrupted on a number of occasions by supporters of two camps; ANC Vihiga gubernatorial candidate Alfred Agoi and UDA Sabatia parliamentary Clement Sloya.
"The next government will not be built based on chaos. Leadership will not be founded on conflict so I urge all of you to be patient and all the politicians will be given a chance to address you," he noted.
A section of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya members, however, questioned Ruto's conduct, noting that it's not befitting a deputy president.
"Hasira ni hasara," Suna East MP Junet quoted a Swahili proverb, regarding the clip.
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