I have never been involved in any corruption scandal and am willing to work with Raila—Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto. He maintained he has never been involved in any corruption scandal and was willing to work with opposition leader Raila Odinga. (Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

NAIROBI—Deputy President William Ruto has maintained that no community or person owes him anything and his support for President Kenyatta is not a debt that should be paid by voters from Central Kenya.

Speaking on Sunday at All Saints Cathedral Nairobi, Ruto noted that the only debt that should be paid is by elected leaders on their promises during last year’s campaign .

“There has been debate doing rounds on who owes who what…but we only have the debt of loving one another and working towards transforming Kenya,” he said.

“No person, community or section of Kenya owes anybody, including myself, anything.” added Ruto.

This is after Rift Valley Council of Elders last week demanded that Mr Kenyatta declare his stand on Mr Ruto’s candidature saying that would go a long way in mending the rift threatening to bring down Jubilee Party.

There has been debate on whether Central Kenya, the support base of President Kenyatta should vote for Mr Ruto in 2022. A number of leaders from the region have vowed not support his bid.

Dp Ruto noted that the debate is unnecessary and observed that it was time Kenya was put on a platform that is free from hate, ethnicity and divisions.

In an interview with a local television, Ruto dismissed the political class who perceive him as an automatic Jubilee candidate in 2022 presidential elections. He noted that in case he fails to be chosen as a flag bearer he would rally behind the selected candidate.

“In 2022 I will present myself, If am elected the Jubilee party candidate I will run as a Jubilee member. Uhuru Kenyatta will support whoever Jubilee nominates that am confident of,” he  stated.

Ruto also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader on issues of national concern.

“I am ready and has always been ready to work with him. If Uhuru Kenyatta with whom they were competing in the last elections has embraced him then why not me?” said the Deputy president.

On matters corruption, Ruto said he has never been involved in any scandal as a Member of Parliament or as a Deputy President.

He stated that the lifestyle audit was not targeting him but all public officials insisting that he was ready for the audit.