President William Ruto did not mince nor hold back his words while hitting back at former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta as politics dominated the burial of Mau Mau veteran, Mukami Kimathi.
Speaking at Mukami's Nyandarua home, on Saturday, May 13, Ruto emphasised that he was familiar with Raila's tactics, having used the election victory to ascertain dominance in their perennial rivalry.
"Raila says he knows me well, and it’s true. I also know him, and I’ve studied him well. That’s why I beat him while he was with Uhuru.
"I also know him well, and I know where his protests will end," Ruto countered.
Raila had noted that he worked with Ruto for a long time and understood his skills and tactics. He also accused Ruto of overtaxing Kenyans despite the high cost of living.
"I have worked with Ruto for a long time. He knows me. So when he speaks out there I watch knowing that he will calm down," the former Prime Minister stated.
In response, Ruto likened himself to President Mwai Kibaki, who turned around the economy after assuming power in 2002. He praised Kibaki for increasing tax collected from Ksh120 million to Ksh1 trillion.
For his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto lauded him for raising the tax to Ksh2 trillion but accused him of overburdening the country with foreign loans.
"I am a student of the late Kibaki. He learned that you do not grow a country by growing money but by taxes. It's my turn now, and I want to push it to Ksh2.8 trillion. Give me space to fix this economy," Ruto stated.
He also acknowledged that the cost of living was high but argued that it was worse before his inauguration, directly rebuking Uhuru.
"Look at the cost of flour. It was Ksh230; we have lowered it to Ksh170 and are still lowering it. The mistake you people made was funding the millers rather than the farmers. That is what I have done, empower the farmer," he countered.
On the issue of the Finance Bill 2023, Ruto stated that the opposition was not telling Kenyans the truth, adding that he had lowered taxes in nearly 20 areas and reduced the amount we would borrow. This year I have revoked Ksh500 billion that we would have borrowed," the head of state argued, despite borrowing Ksh17.4 billion more than Uhuru in his first six months in office.
Nonetheless, he recognised Raila as an elder and respected him, adding that he hoped they would find a solution during the bipartisan talks.
The two leaders were at the funeral of freedom advocate Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua County, accompanied by other leaders, friends, and family.
However, Ruto urged the opposition to abandon their protests and help grow the economy.
"Since we know each other, as the MPs continue with bipartisan talks, let me serve the people. Plans to create an office of the opposition leader in Parliament, funded by the government, are underway so that you criticise and keep the government in check," he added.
