President William Ruto revealed that he met Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka behind closed doors amid talks that a political pact could be in the offing.
Speaking during thanksgiving service in Kitui County on Sunday, October 23, Ruto disclosed that he met Kalonzo and asked him to join his government.
However, the Azimio principal turned down the offer and maintained that he would stand with party leader Raila Odinga in the opposition.
"I personally looked for him and had a sit-down with him. I told him that I would like to work together with him but he told me that he wanted to work with the opposition,
"Let him try out with the opposition then we can give it a second try, si tulisema kazi ni kazi (didn't we say every work matter)? And even the opposition helps us keep the government in check," Ruto remarked.
Nonetheless, he declared that even without Kalonzo, the people from the Lower Eastern region would not be left out of his government nor be sidelined in development projects.
Ruto was forced to make the clarification after leaders from the region pressured him to shake hands with the former Vice President.
While responding to the insecurity concerns in the area, the President directed the police bosses in the county to address the concern before it gets out of hand.
"I have asked the Regional and County Commissioners to restore security in that area. Do not wait for a CS to be appointed because the level of threat can be handled by your offices," Ruto directed.
While the governors of the affected counties promised to set up police stations, the head of state vowed to deploy officers and requisite artillery to combat the perpetrators.
Machakos county boss Wavinya Ndeti and her Kitui Counterpart Julius Malombe welcomed the move by the state to address the drought crises that had hit the region.
"He had a meeting with the DP and some of the counties were added to the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) areas. We will receive the food by Monday, we will ensure it gets to those who need it," Wavinya declared.
