I respect you, Ruto tells Raila

By Peter Ochieng 

President William Ruto says he welcomes criticism, especially from the opposition.

The Head of State said positive criticism adds value to his decision making, in a bid to make Kenya a better place for all Kenyans.

“Let us stop violence. Let us unite and take Kenya forward. I believe in running an accountable government, criticism adds value to me.”

Speaking in Njabini, Nyandua County on Saturday during the burial of freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi, Ruto urged Kenyans to give him time as he implements his ideas aimed at reducing the cost of living.

Addressing opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who was among the mourners, the President appealed to him to stop the idea of calling for protests, adding that he respects the veteran politician very much.

“I respect you very much. We will go forward together, I have no issue with you,” said Ruto.

Odinga who spoke earlier said he knows Ruto in and out, the two having been among the founder members of the ODM party.

The Head of State then turned tables when he said he knows Odinga much better, and that is why “I defeated you when you were with Uhuru.”

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta supported Odinga’s 5th Presidential bid in August, 2022. Odinga lost to Ruto.

The Head of State said his administration will find the body of freedom fighter Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi, Mukami’s late husband.

"We will find the body and give him a decent, national send off.”

Dedan was reportedly buried at the Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi, after being killed by British colonialists.

He was among Mau Mau fighters who fought for the country’s independence.

On taxation, Ruto said the government has been forced to vacate at least 20 taxes in order to reduce the cost of living.

He however insisted that the new 3 per cent housing levy is on, to ensure that public servants acquire houses, instead of paying rent all their lives.