DEPUTY President William Ruto has told Cord to prepare for a tough battle in its 2017 race to State House.
“It will not be a joke. You think we came here to joke? We have seen many before, including masters of riddles and we defeated them. If you are planning to beat us, you must prepare yourself very well,” he said.
The DP was responding to Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale’s remark that the opposition will kick Jubilee out of power in 2017.
Khalwale said: “It is true that your coming to Western is meant to seek political support. You earlier came through prayer meetings and now harambees.”
Khalwale said Cord is also seeking support in Jubilee strongholds, “but the voter will have the final say in 2017”.
They spoke at Makhokho Secondary School, Ikolomani constituency, on Sunday during a fund raiser to support table banking.
More than Sh6 million was raised.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and MPs Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Boniface Otsiula (Bumula), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Sakwa Bunyasi (Nambale), David Were (Matungu), Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Ben Washiali (Mumias East) and Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga) were present.
Oparanya said he will work with the government of the day to achieve development.
He said the jubilee government should be given time to deliver its promises.
“It is time to serve the people. We will discuss politics when election time comes,” Oparanya said.
Khalwale said the Luhya leadership is careful not to repeat mistakes it made in past elections.
He said his support for President Uhuru Kenyatta in the fight against graft should not be taken to mean he is wavering politically.
Ruto said he will continue visiting the region because “one does not need a visa to tour Western as it is part of Kenya”.
He said Khalwale attempted to have him sacked as Agriculture minister during the coalition government.
Wangwe asked UDF leader Musalia Mudavadi, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula and Cyrus Jirongo to unite and form one party.
– the-star.co.ke
