DP Ruto addresses fears of a fallout with President Uhuru Kenyatta in Rift Valley

Deputy President came clean on fears of a fallout with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday after residents of Bomet cornered him with the reports especially with the recent re-organisation of government where Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i was promoted to coordinate programmes in all ministries.

Leaders who accompanied the DP including Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso, Woman Representative Joyce Korir and Bomet Central MP Ronald Tonui set the tone for the meeting

“These people are waiting for you to give them political direction should you feel the political wheels in Jubilee party are not turning in the right direction. We will ensure that in the 2022 General Election, you have a rock solid support in the region,” Mr Tonui said.

Responding to the calls to clarify on the widely reported fall out with the President and his fate in the re-organisation of government, the DP sought to allay fears, assuring his supporters that all is well.

“Everything is OK in government; ignore the fake news; do not rely on social media and newspaper stories because we have no time for rumours and riddles that would not help us take the country forward in socio-economic development”. Ruto said.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto. The DP has sought to allay fears of a fall out in Jubilee Pulse Live Kenya

“The President, myself and the entire Jubilee administration is solely focused on transforming the country by building infrastructure, industrial growth and creating job opportunities. We have no time for political sideshows,” he clarified.

Word of caution

In a thin veiled attack believed to be directed at opposition chief Raila Odinga, the DP faulted those setting the country in electioneering mood.

“The other leaders should stop their obsession about election, creating extra leadership positions whenever they fail to win an election as we cannot afford to be talking about it year in, year out,” Ruto said.

“As a government, we will remain focused on delivering our pre-election promises and the Big Four Agenda on development. I can assure you that we will deliver on the promise.” Ruto added.

Matiang'i's new role to sideline the DP in the running of government

The reorganization in government saw Matiang’i elevated to supervise all government departments in what some analysts believe is a subtle move in Jubilee to sideline the DP in the running of government.

CS Fred Matiangi chairs a meeting. He was elevated to provide supervisory leadership in the delivery of all government programmes and projects and will directly report to the President Pulse Live Kenya

Mrs Korir said; “If the much hyped constitutional referendum debate is implemented, the people of Rift Valley will only wait for you to give them the green light on which side to support.”

Others present at the event were Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony, Narok Governor Samwell Tunai, Bomet Senator Christopher Langat, MPs Gideon Koskei (Chepalungu), Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Beatrice Kones (Bomet East), Dominic Koskei (Sotik) and nominated Senator Alice Milgo.