Ruto takes his youth message to Coast

By Patrick Beja and Sandra Chao
Eldoret North MP William Ruto stoked more fires in ODM on Saturday by announcing the political vehicle they will be using in 2012 was now ready to hit the road and welcomed all Kenyans to board it.
Ruto, who was in Mombasa, told his detractors that the political hurdles he was facing would be used as political ladders in his 2012 campaign for presidency.
The MPs accompanying Ruto however said they were not ready to be pushed out of ODM just yet despite their intention to quit leadership positions in the party.
"We will announce when we will quit ODM and nobody should try to force us out," said Belgut MP Charles Keter at the rally held at Nyali area.
He said his political outfit would ensure equal opportunities and unite Kenyans beyond tribe, region and religion.
At the same time, Ruto and Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa claimed the old guard in Government were planning to crush their movement for generational change and warned they would not succeed.
Ruto said the youth were faced with unemployment and other crises and wanted to take the leadership mantle from the older generation through competitive politics so as to tackle this problems.
"The older generation is worried about our plans but we are telling them 2012 will be a defining moment for this country when we take the leadership mantle and tackle our own problem,’’ he said.
He boasted that as a youthful leader, he performed well as Agriculture minister but he was removed through political schemes.
Wamalwa said the clamour for generational change was unstoppable and the old guard were getting worried as the clock ticked towards 2012.
"There is nothing as powerful in the world as an idea whose time has come," Wamalwa said.
They were addressing "No vote" supporters at a thank-giving party at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel yesterday, which was booked as a United Democratic Movement (UDM) Coast leaders meeting.
The organiser of the meeting and former Kisauni MP Mr Ananiah Mwaboza said UDM was Ruto’s ark for the 2012 elections.
Present were minister Naomi Shaban, assistant ministers Kazungu Kambi and Aden Duale and MPs Charles Keter, Kiema Kilonzo and Mitika Linthari.