Ruto says Nasa has neither political direction nor economic growth plan

Deputy President (DP) William Ruto on Saturday turned the heat on the Nasa leaders terming them as lacking a political direction and unlikely to spur economic growth if they lead.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri also said the opposition outfit lacked an agenda.

The DP said the country’s development was hinged on sound development policies and not on the rhetoric of the opposition.

“They think the country is built on empty words. Coming this far is a pure effort of purposeful planning,” said Mr Ruto.

Mr Duale said: “If they have failed to agree on the flag bearer, what can they do if they were in government?”

Mr Ruto, who was speaking in Bomet County on Saturday, said plans by the Jubilee government to spur economic growth will not be silenced by criticism from Nasa leaders.

“They will keep on making noise even as we forge on to ensure each Kenyan tastes the fruits of development,” said Mr Ruto.

He said Sh15 billion has been set aside to construct more than 300 kilometres of roads in Bomet County. This he said will add to the 2,000 kilometres already completed across the country.

IMPROVED HEALTH

According to the DP, the Jubilee administration has also improved health care through upgrading of hospitals.

He said Sh7 billion will be used by the administration to help fund the social safety net for the elderly by January saying. Everyone aged 70 will now automatically get a stipend. He also said that the building of the Bomet University College will go on as planned.

Bomet Governor Isaack Ruto had gone to court to block the construction of the university claiming the land was a dumping site.

“Whether he likes or not we will carry on with work because it is us who know what such a project means for our people and youth in general,” the Mr Ruto told a mammoth rally at Bomet Green Stadium.

He said the difference between Jubilee and Nasa is like day and night.

He denied that the country had over borrowed from the external market, saying all the funds were used for development.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa also said the controversial Itare water dam will go on as planned.

He said Bosto Dam water project costing Sh20 billion will also be launched soon.

CREDIBILITY TEST

Mr Duale said all the top Nasa officials are embroiled in various mega scandals and cannot be trusted to lead.

He accused Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi of looting funds for the Mavoko cemetery.

He claimed Mr Wetangula, Ford Kenya leader, had sold many of the country’s embassies while serving as foreign minister.

Mr Duale also accused Mr Musyoka of taking from land from the National Youth Service. He further accused Nasa co-principal Raila Odinga as the mastermind of theft of funds meant to set up the molasses plant in Kisumu.

“These are all the people claiming to be clean. Let them forget leadership because they will drive it down the drain with graft,” he said.

He said many Nasa governors will fail the credibility test because they had integrity issues.

PRODUCE CERTIFICATE

He challenged Baringo Senator Gideon Moi to produce his degree certificates before seeking the presidency. “If he wants to be president he should go back to university to get a degree first,” he said.

Mr Duale said the Bomet Governor “was using millions meant to improve the livelihoods of Bomet people to open his party offices across the country instead of spurring economic growth.”

The function was attended by Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso, Senators Wilfred Lesan (Bomet), and Haron Cheruyiot (Kericho).

Others were Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/ Markwet) MPs Sammy Koech (Konoin) Ronald Tanui (Bomet Central), Benard Bii (Bomet East) Paul Bii (Chepalungu) , Ichungwa Kimani (Kikuyu).

Also in attendance were Governors Samuel Tunai (Narok), Moses Lenokulal (Samburu), Salim Mvurya (Lamu) and Paul Chepkwony (Kericho).

Woman reps Cecilia Ngetich (Bomet) and Rachel Shebesh (Nairobi were also present.