Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has challenged politicians to strike alliances based on ideologies rather than seemingly tribal political affiliations as the 2022 General Election draws nearer.
“We must be transformative in our thoughts. Gone are the times when Kenya was led by tribal chiefs,” DP Ruto said while speaking at his official residence in Karen on Wednesday.
Ruto made the comments during an address to a delegation of over 400 grassroots leaders drawn from Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Nyanza counties.
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Notable leaders who attended the gathering included MPs Mathias Robi (Kuria West), Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East), Alfah Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Kimani Ichung’wa (Kikuyu), Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), MP Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and former Kibra parliamentary aspirant Eliud Owalo.
The DP told the delegates that Kenyans only want a political outfit that will uplift their standards of living.
“That is why we are activating the coalition of the people with ideas through the 'hustler nation'. This will advance the allocation of more resources at the base of the wealth pyramid,” he said.
Through this ideology, Dr. Ruto added, Kenya will move to the next level of economic growth.
“Anchored on progressive ideas and visionary leaders, this idea will create jobs, wealth, and opportunities for the millions of ordinary Kenyans,” said the Jubilee leader.
He said while the Hustler nation believed in the win-win kind of politics, his competitors were still fixed on the win-lose situation where a few people benefit as millions are left to suffer.
Echoing DP Ruto’s sentiments, Kuria East MP Kitayama said that they will rally behind him in 2022 because of his development track-record.
“Instead of employing blackmail, why can’t our fellow leaders differ with us on issues?” the Kuria East MP asked.
Ruto's comments on tribal affiliations followed the announcement of a new alliance bringing together Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper leader (Kalonzo Musyoka), Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.
The four party leaders ganged up this week and launched an aggressive campaign for their candidates in Matungu, Kabuchai and Machakos by-elections with success in the three polls much-needed as a harbinger of their political futures.
The DP's defense of the 'hustler nation' political narrative was also to counter a barrage of criticism that he is stoking a class war pitting the masses of poor Kenyans against the rich.
