Deputy President William Ruto at the home Juliet Otieno and her family on Saturday
Deputy President William Ruto has asked people of Luo Nyanza to support the Jubilee government’s re-election in the 2017 polls.
Ruto said although, the region supports Cord leader Raila Odinga, it would be wise if they supported a winning team.
“You people of Migori can see where most Kenyans are gravitating to. You also need to calculate and see who will carry the day in the elections,” he said amidst cheers and laughter.
Ruto also asked the residents to focus on development and not the 2017 elections because it will be a one day event.
He said sometimes it is important that development takes the lead and politics is given a break.
“When we get to the 2017 general election you should know how to vote. This time round do not discriminate us. You can give baba a few votes and also remember us.”
Ruto spoke in Osiri, Nyatike Constituency, Migori County where he launched the Last Mile Project, (electricity connection in rural areas in the country) at the Osiri-Macalder Gold Mine and Osiri Secondary School.
The DP was accompanied by Energy CS Charles Keter, Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh and Lugari MP Ayub Savula.
Others were Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, Migori Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga, Kenya Power Chairman Kenneth Marende and Kenya Power MD Ben Chumo.
“Elections are a one day event. It comes and goes and life and development must continue. We do not want politics that divides Kenyans on the basis of tribe, region or faith. We want politics to be a competition of policies,” Ruto added.
Ruto asked leaders to engage in political competition based on policies and ideologies and not tribalism.
The DP asked Kenyans to shun tribal and divisive politics and elect leaders who can transform their lives.
Ruto said the Government will support the mining sector in region by powering the gold mines, mechanizing the mining process and marketing their gold.
He said the Government passed a bill that will protect the interests of every stakeholder in the mining sector including the miners.
Ruto said: “We must eliminate brokers in this business so that the miners can reap benefits of their work.”
The Deputy President told the Gold miners to take advantage of the electricity to make maximum profits since the cost of diesel they have been using is twice the cost of power.
He added: “It is our responsibility to serve every Kenyan from every part of the country.”
The Migori Deputy Governor assured the gold miners that the county government will shoulder the electricity bill that will be connected inside the mines.
Keter said the Government is determined to increase the connectivity of Migori County from the current 18 per cent to 50 per cent within one year.
Marende said Kenya Power and Lighting Company was working on expanding and modernising electricity distribution to ensure they have a reliable supply of power.
