Ruto warns warmongers fanning hate in Rift Valley
By Wycliffe Kipsang, August 2, 2022Deputy President William Ruto yesterday warned individuals spreading leaflets in sections of the Rift Valley saying it was a calculated move to scare away voters.
Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza brigade claims the leaflets have been circulated in some parts of Rift Valley warning some communities to vote in a certain way, which they says is the work of some unscrupulous individuals out to create the impression the region will witness violence.
“We have made a solemn commitment as the people of Rift Valley that we will live together in harmony. Those who are sponsoring evil pamphlets will not succeed. Never again will Rift Valley witness bloodshed in the name of political competition,” said Ruto. “Rift Valley is the home of all Kenyans. Shame on those who want to divide us,” he added.
The DP assured Rift Valley residents to prepare to vote for a person of their choice, including his rivals, without any fear of intimidation.
Kenya Kwanza welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta remarks that he would hand over power to whoever wins on August 9 polls.
The Deputy President who took the campaigns to his Uasin Gishu county backyard, barely a day after his Azimio-One Kenya rival Raila Odinga received a warm reception in the area dared his boss to be ready to go home with the ODM boss. “I see the president has finally accepted that he will support whoever wins. You are now standing at the right side of democracy. Now be ready, pack your things with Odinga and go home,” the DP told a crowd in Eldoret.
Ruto who had recently claimed of a plot to harm his family, yesterday steered clear of the issue after the President Kenyatta responded to his allegations on Sunday.
The Head of State who spoke during the official opening of the Nairobi Expressway was categorical that he was not interested in carrying out any vendetta in his final days as President.
“I have persevered your insults for the past three years and I had the powers to do anything. Just leave me alone and sell your manifesto to the people. If they accept you, I’ll hand over power to you. If they don’t, I’ll go home with you,” said Uhuru.
The DP yesterday took the opportunity to thank residents in his backyard for electing the Jubilee government overwhelmingly in 2013 and 2017 General Elections. “Because of your prayers and support we formed the government for the last 10 years,” said the DP.
The DP took a swipe at Odinga for not restraining his supporters to embrace divergent views even as he regretted that Kenya Kwanza failed to hold its campaigns in Nyanza due to political intolerance.
“Even if you plan for us to be stoned in your place, we welcome you here at our home because we are gentlemen. We believe in manifesto). I want to tell the people of Nyanza, we will work with as Kenya Kwanza,” said the DP.
The DP who took his campaigns to Kanu chairman Gideon Moi’s Baringo backyard, asked residents to vote out the senator in the elections next week.
“We have no problem with Gideon but he has refused to stand with us. I ask you to vote for William Cheptumo,” he said.
Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua also hailed President Kenyatta for coming clear on claims that he has no plans to harm anybody. “We agree with you President that you had no plans to kill anybody because that’s the work of God. However, we urge you to reign in on some of your officers creating animosity by intimidating Kenya Kwanza leaders.”
He urged residents to turn up in large numbers on voting day and cast their ballot to increase Kenya Kwanza’s chances of ascending to presidency.
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi called for peaceful transition after August 9 polls and called on Raila to accept the outcome of the polls. He reiterated Kenya Kwanza’s commitment to revive the economy and reduce high cost of living.
“I also want to alert Kenyans over a scheme to introduce fuel shortages in the country to undermine the electoral process. We want to tell them not to attempt to derail the democratic process of Kenya,” said Mudavadi.
Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetangula said their decision to work with Ruto is because of this proven development track record and called on president Uhuru to stop meddling with 2022 succession politics.
“Your vote next week is a vote to reduce the price of unga, a vote to reduce the price of cooking oil and a vote to improve the economic livelihood of Kenyans,” said Wetangula.
Independent candidates were yesterday on the receiving end with Kiminini MP Didmus Barasa and Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago calling on residents not to elect them claiming they were Azimio projects.
They singled out Kesses MP Swarup Mishra, Moiben MP Silas Tiren and Uasin-Gishu independent gubernatorial candidate Zedekiah Bundotich ‘Buzeki’.