Ruto reacts to Obama’s failed visit to Kenya

Deputy President Ruto says Kenya’s Government unperturbed by Obama’s failed visit

Updated Sunday, June 30th 2013 at 19:37 GMT +3

DPPS     

KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto said on Sunday that failure by the US President Barrack Obama to come to Kenya during his current African tour was well within his rights and does not cause the Kenyan leadership sleepless nights.

Mr Ruto said Kenya had many other friends worldwide whom they will continue to cooperate with noting that the reported Obama snup to visit his father’s homeland   would not affect Kenya’s bilateral relations with the United States of America. “We respect the US but let them also respect Kenyans,” he added.

The Deputy President was speaking at the St Gabriel Catholic Church Bahati, Nakuru County where he joined the congregation for Sunday mass.

Mr Ruto went on to say that  the  Jubilee Government was keen on deepening trade and economic  ties  with other friendly countries  and cited the recent  visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta to Uganda where he held a tripartite meeting  with Presidents Yoweri  Museveni and Paul Kagame of Rwanda  as one such effort.

“The President will be proceeding to Burundi this week on a similar mission,” he said.

The Deputy President emphasised that Kenya was a God fearing nation saying it will not accept alien mannerisms that were in conflict with Christianity and African practices and traditions. “We are a God fearing nation and will not cooperate with those who believe otherwise,” he added.

On devolution, Mr Ruto made it clear that the Central Government was ready and prepared to transfer power, resources and responsibilities to the county governments to ensure they deliver on their mandates.

Noting that the government recognised county governments as   units where local development is anchored, the Deputy President expressed confidence that the county governments will provide the basis of the country’s economic growth to double digits.

He said: “We shall soon have a meeting with governors to have the necessary legislation to ensure the success of the county governments.”

He expressed   satisfaction that  the  Nakuru County  government had resolved  leadership  wrangles   that were threatening to cripple  its operations saying  there was no need to generate acrimony  that  would derail  their development agenda this early in their administration.

Once again, Mr Ruto appealed to the teachers to come to the negotiating table with the government to end the ongoing strike.

Noting that their grievances date back to 1997, the Deputy President observed noted that the issue has been addressed by successive governments without   a solution and wondered why the teachers did not want to dialogue with the Jubilee government. “If you don’t want to talk to the government how this issue will be resolved?’” he posed.

Speaking at the same function Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi said parliament will soon pass legislation to strip governors from flying the national flag.

Later at Maili Kumi Trading Centre Mr Ruto said the Government will release the Shs 6billion for women and youth this week adding the funds will be distributed at constituency level to ensure equity in disbursement.

He commended the people of Rift Valley for  keeping the peace during after the recent General Elections  emphasizing that  there will not be any  more bloodshed in the country again on account of political competition.