Raila Odinga is the Lord of Poverty, Ruto Says

Deputy President William Ruto has taken a swipe at Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, describing him as the lord of poverty.

Ruto who spoke during a women’s empowerment forum in Nyamira County on Monday accused Odinga of propagating poverty in the country.

In what could spark a fresh bitter exchange of words between the two political rivals, DP Ruto accused Odinga of demonizing every government project.

“You were against the Eurobond, because you said it was corrupt; you were against the Northern Collector Tunnel, because you said it was corrupt; you were against us building the Standard Gauge Railway, you told us it was corrupt,” said Ruto.

He added: “…you were against raising money in churches because you said it was corrupt; you are against any Harambee even for women, because you say it is corrupt; but it is because you’re the lord of poverty and you want poverty in our country.”

“You’re opposed to any development in our nation because you believe this country should be poor so that people can continue to support you, and I am telling you we will work night and day to eliminate poverty in this nation so that your kingdom of poverty has no place in Kenya.”

In a quick rejoinder, ODM party termed Ruto's scathing attack on Raila as a desperate attempt to divert attention from the alleged assassination plot against him.

ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna said Ruto had realized that the fake assassination claim had failed to generate the sympathy he desperately needed.

ODM also noted that Ruto was the real lord of poverty since he has crippled Kenyans by making them dependent on handouts.

“Deliberate, delivery of fake fertilizer that ruined millions of livelihoods can be traced to his allies and himself. Destroying agriculture is the highest bid a rotten wheeler-dealer that he is can make in a permanent move to leave many not only poor and desperate but hopeless,” ODM's statement read.

“But we will not stop reminding him that Raila Odinga is not the problem; the problem is his vile character and juvenile politics. Let him break down to the people how Eurobond was spent, the cost of SGR and the debt attached to it, how the dams money was lost.”