ICC trial proceedings to suprise Kenyans, William Ruto says

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday said Kenyans will be suprised by what will transpire when the hearing of the case of crimes against humanity charges against him kicks off before the International Criminal Court.

" Mtashangaa na ile maneno itakuwa huko Hague." (You will be suprised by what will happen in The Hague), he said without elaborating.

He at the same time asked Kenyans not to give up praying for him and President Uhuru Kenyatta over the crime against humanity cases they are facing at the ICC.

He exuded confidence that God will fight for them and the charges will be cleared if Kenyans continued praying without ceasing.

"I know you have been seeking divine intervention but I urge you not to give up," he said on Friday when he made a stopover at Sagana town in Kirinyaga county on his way to Nyeri to open the Central Agricultural Society of Kenya show.

The Deputy President was welcomed by Kirinyaga county Governor Mr Joseph Ndathi who assured him that he and his colleagues from Central region were in solidarity with him.

"During this time of trial at the ICC we are behind you and there is no cause for alarm. We have even stopped pushing for a referendum to change the constitution," Mr Ndathi told the Deputy President.

Mr Ndathi said there were signs that the prosecution was struggling looking for evidence and expressed confidence that Mr Ruto will be acquitted.

The Deputy President is facing crime against humanity charges which were allegedly committed during the 2007-2008 post-election violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and 650,000 others displaced from their homes.

He has already pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned because the prosecution could not get its first witnesses to testify in the case that has attracted a lot of interest in Kenya and across the world.

Mr Ruto said the ICC cases will not compromise the government plans to work for Kenyans and spur economic growth.

"We have rolled up our sleeves ready to serve Kenyans and develop Kenya," he said amid loud applause.

FOOD SECURITY

Mr Ruto said plans were underway to construct a multi-million factory to manufacture fertiliser which will be sold to farmers cheaply to boost farming and enhance food security.

The Deputy President was emphatic that once the factory was completed, there will be enough affordable fertiliser for all farmers.

He said the cheap fertilisers would increase production of various crops hence get rid of poverty.
"Farmers will be able to sell their produce and uplift their living standards," he said adding that cost of production had gone up because farm inputs were expensive.

He said Kenyans should not be dying of hunger when the country had the potential to grow food crops at reduced cost of production.

He also also said Uwezo fund had been launched to empower the majority youths who had been suffering due to lack of employment.

Mr Ruto said the Uwezo fund would help the youth to access soft loans without securities and start small income generating enterprises.

The Deputy President once again hit out at Cord leaders over their call for referendum over devolution.

He said Cord was bitter for losing in the March,4 election and that was why the coalition was pushing for a referendum to change the constitution.
"The Cord wants Parliamentary system of election after losing miserably. They think that this is an easy way of taking over power because the President will be elected by a handful people. I want to tell you will that even if the constitution is changed a hundred times, they will not defeat us in any election," he said as the crowd burst in laughter.