Deputy President William Ruto’s political star has been shining ever since he joined the political scene.
Ruto is a clear indication that with hard work and persistance, one is surely destined for greatness.
He is currently the most talked about politician both in the media and in the social circles. This is widely attributed to the fact that he is seemongly the man to beat come 2022.
William Ruto was born on 21 December 1966 in Sambut village, Kamagut, Uasin Gishu county. He grew up humble and hardworking with parents who burnt charcoal to make ends meet, despite his poor background William Ruto managed to soar through the challenges and attain his education all through to his A levels.
Popularly known as a ‘hustler’, he is the ultimate presidential candidate who understands the intricacies of Kenya and its people from all walks of life from the poor, lower and upper middle –class as well as rich and wealthy individuals.
Ruto began his political career as a KANU youth leaders under the Moi regime where he fought for the rights and needs of the youth by giving support to former President Daniel Arap Moi in the 1992 election. His quest for presidency which will materialize in 2022, began in January 2006 where he publicly announced his candidature. Seeking his nomination for presidency through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he lost to Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi as he came third.
Down but not out , Dr. William Ruto has had a flourishing political career both as a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Secretary in various dockets including Agriculture, the Home Affairs Ministry as well as Higher Education with his current role as Deputy President. This vast exposure implores that he understands how government runs and will employ the most suitable style of governance and management of the economy suited to catapult the country to be a middle-income economy by 2030.
Dr. Ruto’s manifesto is promising and is the answer Kenyans have been looking for, in the past fifty – five years of independence. Through his Jubilee Party manifesto, William Ruto and his team are focusing on uniting Kenyans with an accountable and efficient government that will ensure the economy grows fast leaving no one behind. Kenya will forever be at peace with itself and its neighbours and will be a Kenya for all Kenyans by Kenyans. The manifesto has three pillars that will dwell on a better life for Kenyans, a better economy and a better society.
Kenyans have faced a myriad of challenges over the years, however, the three pillars will ensure that Kenyans living standards are duly improved. A better life for Kenyans means increase affordable housing, universal healthcare, sustainable food security and proper running of the Sports, Culture and Arts docket. Kenyans will also be educated for free up to the tertiary level. A great initiative that will create self- reliant Kenyans able to create jobs.
A better economy will mean a more intensified war on corruption which has been a scourge that has hindered development in the country. There will also be a focus on building proper infrastructure as well as a focus on foreign relations and trade. William Ruto promises in his Jubilee manifesto to complete the 57-large-scale dam construction programme, support small-holder agricultural production on at least 1.2 million acres which will be key in ensuring Kenya attains food security at great levels. Famine in areas such as Turkana, Kwale and Marsabit will be a thing of the past as agriculture will have received a major boost. Such development will mean corruption will have been dealt with.
Ultimately, such great strides will foster national cohesion and unity which is under the third pillar of ‘A better society’. The Ruto government will continually work with the counties to ensure that devolution is strengthened through development of industries in each county among other pertinent issues. As Kenya has been one of the most stable countries in Africa, national security will be key in propelling Kenya to a middle income self-reliant economy. Kenya’s Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, ATPU, will be continually strengthened and a further modernization of the National Police Service Air-wing will enable improved surveillance. The government will work in collaboration with international partners to ensure Kenya is among the safest countries globally.