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President William Ruto now claims that Azimio la Umoja -One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga owes him a political debt.

Ruto, while addressing Homa Bay residents on Saturday, October 7, 2023, noted that the former prime minister owed him support because he endorsed his presidential bid in 2007. He also claimed that his continuous efforts at the time also ensured that Raila was named prime minister.

“Huyu Wanga anashinda akiniambia ati sisi ni watu wa baba si hio ni sawa, si ata mimi nilkua mtu wa baba. Si mtu wa baba sai na mtu wa baba wa zamani si ni the same? Mimi nawauliza, ndio Raila aitwe prime minister leo, nani alichangia hio kazi? Si ni mimi?

“Niwaulize tena, siku ile sisi wote tulikua tunasaidia Agwambo si tulikua tunatafuta kiti ya rais sisi wote/ Sasa mimi nawauliza kwa huu uchaguzi umepita watu wakushindana kwa hio kiti walikua wangapi? Si ni mimi na Agwambo? Tulipata hatukupata? Ssa tuungane na tupeleke nchi mbele,” Ruto said.

Further, the Head of State asked Raila to return the favour and support him in the 2027 election. He also expressed confidence that he would floor every other contender who would vie for the top seat.

“Ile deni tu bado mimi niko nayo na ntauliza Agwambo. Unajua mimi nimepigia kura Agwambo na Agwambo hajawai kunipigia kura. Sasa namngojea 2027. Kwa sababu sasa kama yeye he is not running si mimi ntashindana na Kalonzo?” he added.

Ruto also urged the residents to uphold peace and refrain from participating in anti-government protests noting that the protests chase investors away.

“No investment is going to come to Kenya if we are violent people who engage in destruction of property and businesses. We want to encourage people to come and invest in our country but we must also, as the people of Kenya ensure that we are a peaceful nation and be people who appreciate property, and business so that we don’t destroy people’s businesses and property otherwise we are going to lose investments,” he stated.

He also vowed to work with all leaders to push the country forward and deliver on his mandated roles.