DP Ruto speaks out on Ksh1.2B house claims

Deputy President William Ruto has refuted claims that he is building a house worth Ksh1.2 billion in his rural home in Eldoret.

Ruto said the claims are fabricated and preposterous adding that he would not spend that much money on such a project.

“A billion shilling is a lot of money. Even if I had that kind of money, I would not invest it in building a house in my village where I only spend one week in a year,” Ruto said in an interview with local station, K24.

The deputy president rubbished the reports that appeared on a local daily saying the claims should be ignored.

Ruto further reassured of government’s commitment in fighting corruption saying measures have been put in place to ensure transparency in government operations.

He however admitted that there is need to equip anti-graft agencies well so that they can tighten the grip on the fight against corruption in the country.

Ruto castigated the opposition for criticising the government saying the Jubilee coalition is focused on delivering on its manifesto to the people of Kenya.

“The opposition is peddling lies about the government giving fictitious figures about our economy. Whenever their claims are countered by the truth, they go silent,” he said.

“The President and I, and the entire Jubilee administration are focused on delivering our promises to Kenyans.”

He assured that the Jubilee coalition will weather the storm and remain strong ahead of the 2017 elections noting that they already have a game plan for the next election.

“Most parties do not even know who their flag-bearer will be in 2017. Jubilee has a sure line-up and strategy for the next elections,” said the deputy president.

Ruto brushed off claims of a rift between him and President Kenyatta saying their relationship is stronger than ever.

Touching on the latest support accorded to him by the opposition over the ICC case, Ruto termed the move as a plot by CORD to create a rift in government.

“CORD has realised that there first plan to portray me as a bad guy and President Uhuru as the good guy has failed and they have now resorted to revised tactics,” he claimed.

The DP pointed out that: “President Uhuru and I have come a long way and there in nothing that will separate us.”

“We are committed and confident that the people of Kenya can see the transformation that this country is going through,” he said.

On the uncertainty that faces the newly formed Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP), Ruto said: “One thing is for sure, Jubilee will be our vehicle in 2017, whether it will be renamed to Jubilee Party or Jubilee coalition.”

DP Ruto stated that the Jubilee coalition is working on a party that will unite all Kenyans and end ethnic divisions.

He further congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta on his 54th birthday lauding his efforts to transform the country.