Deputy President William Ruto says he knows how to organise himself and that he is not moved by claims his wealth is ill-gotten.
In a statement referencing former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo with whom he worked with in the YK 92 Kanu youth lobby group, Ruto said Jirongo should know he knew how to “kujipanga” saying the negative image was being created by people hell-bent on taking him down.
“Some people have a problem with how far I have come complaining how did William Ruto get here? I understand people who believe the only way to get anywhere is through shortcuts. We must all have an equal chance,” he said in New York on Thursday.
Ruto and Jirongo have had several public spats over how fast Ruto has amassed wealth.
At the same time, Ruto defended himself against land grabbing and corruption accusations saying his property and business empire is due to hard work.
He added that the society was “very cruel, especially to those who rise to the top from humble beginnings” and that he was “very proud” of who he is today.
“I have got here by sheer hard work. I have not been appointed to any position since I left school. Every position I got I worked hard for it and I have not gotten a lift from anybody,” Ruto said.
He added: “I am very proud of my record. I understand that many people have a problem with the son of a peasant getting this far because normally it does not happen. But we have to wake up to a new reality that this is a Kenya where every child, irrespective of their background has a chance.”