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I was once Jirongo’s errand boy – DP Ruto


Deputy President William Ruto has alleged that his former associate and fellow politician Cyrus Jirongo is “just jealous” of his political achievements.

While addressing mourners, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, during the burial of former cabinet minister Soita Shitanda on Saturday, the DP also confirmed that he once served as Jirongo’s “mtu ya mkono” (errand boy).

“You know Jirongo is just jealous because I once served as his “mtu ya mkono” (errand boy)… Yes I was his errand boy… So I imagine he is pained seeing how successful I am politically,” the DP said amid prolonged laughter from the audience.

He added: “But I once explained to him that my successes has a lot to do with planning and scheming. You cannot get annoyed when you friend is doing well”

YOUTH FOR KANU

The association between Jirongo and Ruto dates back to 1992, when both were hand picked by former President Daniel Moi to spear head a lobby group referred to as Youth for Kanu 92 (YK92).

The group was in charge of President Moi’s re-election bid.

At the time, DP Ruto and former Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya worked under Jirongo who chaired the group.

“I gave Ruto the first contract to print T-shirts in 1991,” Jirongo has repeatedly stated during interviews.

Jirongo and Ruto have since been involved in a number of public fallouts in recent times, with the DP’s team recently threatening to sue the politician for some of his remarks.