A section of Jubilee grassroots leaders have scoffed at Deputy President William Ruto for forgetting them in various public appointments.
Led by local politician David Kimanthi Kyalo, they faulted the DP saying that he has sidelined them despite their efforts to ensure Jubilee remains in power for a second term.
Kyalo urged Ruto to recognize grassroots leaders who helped popularize the party in the Coastal region which is an opposition stronghold.
Kyalo who unsuccessfully contested for the Changamwe parliamentary seat in 2017 said it is regrettable that the DP appears to have forgotten the people of Changamwe constituency who hosted him more than three occasions during the 2017 campaigns.
“We have tirelessly campaigned for the ruling Jubilee party in the opposition strongholds and thus we deserve at least recognition and state jobs” added Kyalo.
Margret Kisyengo famously known as ‘Ambassa’ a local women leader said the party appears to have sidelined local leaders who backed it in the last general election.
She said Dr. Ruto who is interested in the presidency in 2022 should make sure that the local leaders who braved the opposition onslaught in the Coastal region are rewarded with state jobs.
Ambassa said it is regrettable that the DP has overlooked the local leaders and candidates who lost in the last general election whenever he visits Mombasa.
Ambassa said the local leaders went out of their way to ensure Coast region supported Jubilee at a time the party was not popular on the ground.
Juma Ngondi a youth leader weighed into the matter saying though they still support Jubilee and the Deuty President their support should not be taken for granted.
“We support the DP and his presidential ambitions but he should ensure Changamwe constituents also benefit from state appointments ahead of the 2022 race.
Ngondi said Dr. Ruto is well placed to take over leadership when President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term ends in 2022 but that he should not take the support of the youth for granted.