DP William Ruto takes a swipe at Babu Owino in early morning tweet

DP Ruto takes a swipe at Babu Owino in early morning tweet

Tony Mukere

September 20, 2019 10:52 AM

"Fisi anagojea mkono"

File image of DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday hit out at a section of ODM Leaders who have complained of being betrayed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in his endorsement of McDonald Mariga as the Jubilee candidate in the Kibra by-election.

Ruto tweeted after the Nation did a story on the concerns that have come from ODM, the most notable being from Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The DP said the handshake did not mean killing political parties and defended President Kenyatta for supporting his party’s flag bearer in the same way that other party leaders have done.

“The handshake was never meant to kill parties or replace competitive multi party democracy. Those ranting about our party leader endorsing our party candidate should give us a break. So its right for all others to endorse theirs and wrong for JUBILEE. Fisi angojea mkono ya mtu story,” Ruto said.

The DP’s statement, incidentally, was in agreement to sentiments expressed by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo who insisted that the handshake remained intact despite President Kenyatta endorsing Mariga in Kibra.

"Babu Owino and I are at a different level in relation to generation and experience. When he sees the handshake, he feels that Jubilee should not field a competitor. I don't think that is what it is, but he will learn in due season that the handshake does not mean our rivals do not compete against us," Odhiambo said.

Owino had on Wednesday warned that Mariga’s candidature was a sign of betrayal of the handshake between Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga.

"Baba must be very careful with this thing called handshake. No fruits so far. We can’t be duped twice. President Uhuru must be genuine with this handshake. Baba we must be very careful and if the marriage is void because one party is very incompetent,” he said.

Tony Mukere