DEPUTY PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO EXPOSES WHAT TRULY HAPPENED TO SGR

Deputy President William Ruto has claimed that some people with vested interests frustrated the success of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

Speaking at Burhani grounds in Mombasa where he was meeting Mombasa Council of Elders during his day two tour to Coast, Ruto said the initial plan of SGR was to create more jobs and bolster the economy of the region and the country through establishment of special economic zones.

“We had a plan and the plan was not to deny Coast residents livelihoods. We intended to create special economic zones and more than 40,000 jobs.

But because of some selfish corrupt individuals, the idea of special economic zones has failed to take off.

And it is for this reason Mombasa has now become a ghost town. Many people have lost their jobs,” Ruto said.

He said his administration would restore the original plan if he wins next year’s election.

“I want to assure you that come next year by God’s grace, we will make sure that the original plan of SGR, accompanied by the special economic zone plan where we have close to 3,000 acres in Dongo Kundu will be implemented to restart the economy of Mombasa and restore the port city’s glory.

These are the things that we must join hands together as we move forward,” the Deputy President said.

Sign charter

Ruto said there is a standby charter between him and Coast people and their leaders on prioritisation of various issues including the ports, land issues, blue economy, employment and infrastructure development of the region.

“Before we head to elections, we shall sign the charter between Coast people and their leaders so that on day one of our administration we will begin with the priorities as identified by the people and leaders,” Ruto said.

Later in Kilifi county, the DP accused his rivals of sponsoring tribal political parties to counter the hustler movement.

This comes a week after Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, who ditched ODM and founded the Pamoja African Alliance, declared that the party would back ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.

“They have realised that the only way to beat us is to come up with small political parties to divide Kenyans on basis of tribes, religion and regions,” he said in Jaribuni and Mariakani in Kilifi.

He said his competitors had served in various government positions in the past but had nothing to show in terms of achievements.

By People Daily