Speaking in Kisii County on Wednesday, November 11, Ruto referred to Kenyatta’s account of hearing public opinion while walking around in search of “kauji” (porridge), a term synonymously associated with alcohol.
“I heard the sponsor saying that as he was walking around looking for ‘porridge’, he heard Kenyans saying that they have made up their minds. I want to tell my brother, Uhuru Kenyatta, to get opinions from sober people, not drunkards,” Ruto said.
He argued that Kenyatta would hear a different view from workers and professionals, including farmers, teachers, and doctors, as well as people employed in the Affordable Housing Project.
“Get information from sober Kenyans; those who have jobs, farmers, teachers, doctors, and those working in the Affordable Housing Project; they will tell you that Kenya is moving forward,” he said.
Ruto also pushed back against statements from opposition figures framing the Ol Kalou mini-poll as a blueprint for the 2027 General Election. Ruto pointed out that out of ten recent by-elections, the opposition managed to secure just a single victory while candidates aligned with the broad-based government won the remainder.
He argued that the results pointed to a win for the government in 2027 and cautioned the opposition against drawing too much confidence from the Ol Kalou contest.
“They only have one by-election, yet they are very proud. No wonder the Swahili people said, “Mtu bure akipata, matako hulia mbwata,” he said.
Earlier, Kenyatta had urged opposition leaders to unite and deliver what he described as the public’s wishes. He said only one person could become president and called on the other leaders to support the eventual flagbearer.
Kenyatta said his conversations with ordinary Kenyans suggested there was widespread support for opposition unity.
“Ninapotembea ground kutafuta kauji, nasikia watu wakisema ni kama wameamua kwamba shida yao ni moja, na hiyo shida ni umoja wa hii watu,” he said.
Loosely translated: (When I walk around the ground looking for kauji, I hear people saying they have decided their problem is one, and that problem is the unity of these people)
“Watu wanataka kuona hawa viongozi wetu wakishikana, lakini nahisi wameamua mahali wanaenda. Viongozi wetu, mjipange na muungane mtimize vile Wakenya wanataka,” he added, saying he was confident the leaders would respond to the public’s call while upholding fairness.
(People want to see these leaders of ours join hands, but I feel they have decided where they are going. Our leaders, organize yourselves and unite to deliver what Kenyans want).
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