Ruto dares Raila to expel him

Photo/ FILE Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Eldoret North MP William Ruto during happier times in 2009.  

By NOAH CHEPLOEN ncheploen@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, July 24  2011 at  22:30

Share This Story

12Share

Eldoret North MP William Ruto on Sunday dared Prime Minister Raila Odinga to expel him and his allies from the Orange Democratic Movement party.

The suspended Higher Education minister said that he had nothing to fear since his United Democratic Movement (UDM) was ready for take-off.

“We left that party long ago. We have said loudly that we are in UDM and we are prepared for any outcome. So let him do whatever pleases him,” he said.

Mr Ruto — who spoke during a series of rallies in Rongai, Mogotio and Eldama Ravine constituencies — said he had the mandate of the people.

“It is not Raila who voted for these MPs but the people did. So let him do what he wants,” he added.

He was accompanied by ministers Chirau Makwere, Hellen Sambili, Asman Kamama and William Cheptumo, and several other MPs. 

Former National Assembly Speaker Francis Kaparo, who was introduced as the party chairman, said that UDM respects democracy and has a national face.

Two ODM members went to court last week seeking orders to eject rebel MPs. (READ: Raila allies move to expel Ruto’s group)

Apart from Mr Ruto, other MPs targeted were Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu), Charles Keter (Belgut) assistant minister Aden Duale (Dujis) and Joshua Kuttuny (Cherangany).

Mr Ruto spoke of the role he played during the delicate negotiations after the 2008 political standoff as he championed the ODM’s course, saying he felt betrayed by Mr Odinga.

Presidential race

“I was at KICC for four days without a sleep and later went to Serena to negotiate with our friends in PNU until we got a solution that gave him (Raila) the post of Prime Minister but he now has the guts to insult us,’’ he said.

He declared that he was in the presidential race because he believed he had what it takes to lead the country.

Mr Ruto said the G7 grouping that includes himself, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta was as strong as ever.

“Kenya needs men and women who can match what they are saying and what they do.

“The era of empty talk is long gone.  Kenyans want to see leaders giving solutions to the problems afflicting them,” he added.

He criticised the PM saying that he had failed to perform during his time in office and challenged him to show what he has done to uplift the lives of Kenyans.