DP Ruto: NASA is slowing disbursement of funds to counties

Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday, February 25, accused the opposition National Super Alliance of slowing the disbursement of funds to counties and curtailing development of the country at large.

Ruto said NASA had put the country on tenterhooks for long by engaging in endless politicking despite conclusion of the elections.

“The money disbursed to counties is collected from the taxes paid by Kenyans. Therefore, for the so called principals, who are taking the country through non-issues of demonstrations and ‘swearing-ins’ they should stop these theatrics,” said Ruto.

“This is what is causing problems in the country such that the government cannot even collect enough tax. It is for the same reason that you see money is delaying before it gets to the grassroots. If they were to stop this circus, money would be coming to you very fast.”

The deputy president added: “When we want to collect tax, they plan demonstrations. When we want to borrow money for development, they politicize the issue.”

Ruto urged leaders to put aside their personal political interests and unite for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“The time for elective politics is behind us. It is now time for us to work together irrespective of our political parties or who won or didn’t win in the election because this country is greater than any man leader or party,” said the DP.

He was speaking during an interdenominational church service at Cheptais Secondary School in Bungoma County.

Speaking at the same forum, Ruto warned security officers alleged to be working in cohorts with criminal elements in the volatile Mt. Elgon region that they would investigated, sacked and prosecuted.

“If there are officers who are partnering with criminals in Mt Elgon the first line of action is to remove them from the service and charge them,” said Ruto.

“Security will be achieved if local residents cooperate with security agencies because criminals causing insecurity are locals.”

He added that following the recent spate of attacks that have rocked the region, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and officials from the Lands Ministry led by CS Farida Karoney would be touring the area in the coming week to help in resolving the disputes causing insecurity.

The Deputy President was accompanied by Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, MPs Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), John Waluke (Sirisia), Catherine Warunguru (Laikipia County), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Joseph Gichimu (Gichugu), Janet Nangobo (TransNzoia) and area MP Fred Kapondi.