By Betty Luke
Coastal and Northern Kenya leaders allied to ODM chief Raila Odinga’s have hit out at Deputy President William Ruto for constantly reminding Kenyans how poor they are instead of helping them while he is in government.
The leaders said Kenyans must be wary of leaders who keep reminding them that they are poor while themselves are rich and cannot help bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
Led by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho who is also the ODM Deputy party leader, the leaders warned Kenyans against falling prey to DP Ruto’s Hustler narrative that they said was hypocritical.
“There is a big problem when a leader keeps reminding you every day that you are poor while he is rich. Kenyans should shun such leaders,” Governor Joho said.
Mvita MP Nassir Abdulswamad said Kenyans should support leaders from their development track record and not how appealing their promises are.
“We do not want promises but actions. We want a government where we will be partners and not followers,” the MP said.
While attending a fundraiser in Isiolo town to construct Garbatulla Jamia Mosque, the leaders castigated Dr Ruto over a trending photo of an old woman being lifted on a wheelbarrow during his recent rally in Embu County terming it disrespectful.
Mr Abdulswamad and Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi accused Tangatanga brigade of hypocrisy and dared them to carry their relatives on wheelbarrows if they were genuine.
“We demand respect for our mothers. Why can’t they carry their own mothers on wheelbarrow?” Ms Gedi posed.
The leaders told off the second in command for blaming Mr Odinga for the Jubilee Party woes including slow implementation of Big Four Agenda saying the 2018 Handshake had nothing to do with power sharing but peace and tranquility.
Mr Joho said it was hypocritical for Dr Ruto to claim credit for Jubilee successes but distance himself from the failures while he has and still is the Deputy President.
Dr Ruto has severally cried foul of being sidelined in running of his government and his roles assigned to his juniors in the Cabinet.
“He (Ruto) has been part of the government since 2013 but wants to blame Raila who has never been in the ruling government. Solutions to problems faced by the residents can never be found in public rallies,” said Governor Joho while accusing DP Ruto of snubbing cabinet meetings and focusing on rallies instead.
Mr Abdulswamad demanded for lifestyle audit of leaders and asked Churches and Mosques not to accept money whose source is not known.
“I am personally ready to account for all the monies that I issue out. One cannot become a billionaire in an overnight,” he said.
The leaders said time had come for Mr Odinga to lead the country saying he had Kenyans interests at heart through his Azimio la Umoja Initiative.
Ms Dullo said the region was solidly behind Mr Odinga’s presidential bid and assured Kenyans that they were safe in the ODM Leader’s hands.
“There is no other leader who has fought for democracy like Raila. We are supporting him because we know he will take care of our interests,” the Senate Deputy Majority Leader said.
MPs Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Florence Mutua (Busia), Asha Hussein (Mombasa) and Ganze’s Teddy Mwambire and Garissa Senator Abdul Yusuf Hajj also drummed support for Mr Odinga.
Mr Mwambire said Kenyans and Muslim community must be wary of leaders who opposed the 2010 Constitution due to Kadhi Courts clause.
“How sure are we he (Ruto) will take care of our needs if he was the first to oppose Kadhi Courts?” Mr Mwambire posed.
Also in attendance was former Governor Godana Doyo, Nominated MCA Sumeya Bishar and Isiolo North MP hopeful Abdilatif Boru.
A total of Sh17 million was raised during the fundraiser organised by Isiolo Senator Dullo.
Kuti, Doyo differences continue…https://fb.watch/9qYp8rxu6d/
