Ruto to President Uhuru: Please Show Some Respect, I'm Not Competing with You

Deputy President William Ruto has hit back at President Kenyatta for accusing him of engaging in political doublespeak and spreading lies to gain political mileage ahead of next month’s elections.

Kenyatta, who spoke on Tuesday after presiding over the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of six factories at the Naivasha Special Economic Zone, dismissed claims by Ruto that the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) has interfered with operations of the Mombasa port.

“A whole leader standing in public and saying look at these people, they have moved the railway and port to Naivasha. Surely, can I carry the ocean to Naivasha? Only God can do that,” said Kenyatta.

He added: “We did that so as to attract investors who will create jobs for Kenyans. It is unfortunate that some people have the guts to stand before Kenyans and tell lies about these projects…Let’s shun politics of deceit, Let’s avoid divisive politics. Kenyans deserve politics of development not lies, insults, and threats.”

In a rejoinder, Ruto accused President Uhuru of being ungrateful to the people who put him in power, adding that he should stay away from the political campaigns and await his retirement.

“Mr. President, please show some respect. If someone helped you, please be grateful. Don’t go around in circles. Mr. Kitendawili whom you are supporting now has never helped you,” Ruto said during a campaign rally in Maua, Meru County.

“I see that the President is trying to quarrel with me. I am telling you, please my friend, you are not competing with me. When you needed someone to stand with you, I was there. I helped you in 2013 and 2017, now you are not standing, why are you asking me so many questions? Leave me with Mr. Kitendawili I beat him.”