Era of ethnic politics and personality cults overtaken, DP Ruto says

DP William Ruto has said the era of ethnic politics, personality cults and political parties bondage has been overtaken by people-centred politics.

He said Kenyans are no longer naive and vulnerable to exploitation by tribal leaders.

“Kenya will change during our life time, not because of tribal politics, not by leaders’ egos, not by political parties popularity, not by threats and intimidation but through service delivery,” he said.

DP Ruto said Kenyans are now keen on leaders development agenda and ability to offer solutions to their problems.

Speaking on Thursday during MP Feisal Bader’s thanksgiving ceremony, Dr Ruto said the people of Msambweni voted for the MP despite him not having a party to back him.

“The people of Msambweni have opened a new door for leaders to be elected irrespective of their political parties popularity or tribes.”

The Deputy President asked leaders to adopt a bottom-up management approach that will prioritise the needs of the ordinary people.

He said there was need to change the current economic model to incorporate more small and medium-sized business and create more jobs for ordinary Kenyans.

Present were Governors Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Josphat Nanok (Narok), MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Athman Sharif (Lamu East), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango), Adan Duale (Garissa), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu).

Others were former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, former senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) and Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), Isaak Mwaura (nominated), Milicent Omanga (nominated), Gichunge Kabeabea (Tigania East), Lydiah Haika (Taita Taveta) and Rehema Hassan (Tana River).

Mr Mvurya said the Msambweni by-election had demonstrated that chest-thumping, threats and insults do not work in modern politics.

“Kenyans need a leader who will address the various challenges they are facing,” he said.

Ms Jumwa said the people of the coastal region were ready to chart a new path, saying both ODM and Jubilee had lost direction.

She said: “We will not give in to threats and intimidation from leaders who thrive on the political chest-thumping.”

Mr Baya said the people of the coastal region will no longer be used by self-serving leaders.

On his part, Mr Mwashetani said that the era of supporting political parties blindly was over.

He said: “We were used to the politics of threats and intimidation but this time around we fought back and prevailed.”

Mr Ichungwa said Mr Bader’s victory marked the end of outdated politics characterised by threats, intimidation and party slavery.

Mr Nyoro told BBI proponents to learn from the Msambweni by-election and stop taking Kenyans for granted.

He said: “Moving forward let us stop using threats and intimidations in politics, Kenyans are enlightened.”

Mr Barasa said it was unfortunate that some parties were prioritising political parties agenda as opposed to the needs of the people.

He said: “The people of Msambweni have demonstrated that if taken for granted they will embrace alternative choices.”

Mr Nanok and Ms Wahome lauded the people of Msambweni for teaching leaders hell-bent on using outdated political practices a political lesson.

Mr Duale asked leaders to prioritise the needs of the people affected by the effects of COVID-19.

He said it was time the country re-engineered its politics and prioritise the country’s economy, health and education.

Mr Sudi faulted civil servants for using security organs to interfere with the country’s election process.

Mr Bader pledged to work with other leaders to fulfil the promises he made during his campaign.

“This victory is not mine alone, it is a victory for the people of Msambweni and Kwale County in general,” he noted.