Raila responds to Ruto on coup claim

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has threatened to sue President William Ruto over claims he was responsible for the 1982 coup attempt and past bloody demonstrations in the country.

Speaking during a rally in Nakuru, Raila said investigations conducted into the attempted coup absolved him of any wrongdoing, adding that the perpetrators were tried in court and jailed.

“Ruto is well aware I stayed in Kamiti Maximum Security Prison for six months as the case dragged on in court. Eventually, the government lost the case against me because of lack of evidence, it was struck out,” he said.

He added: “I will be suing Ruto because the case was closed for lack of evidence. He is talking of things he is not aware of because he was a toddler then.”

On Wednesday, Ruto said Raila had a record of leading chaotic demonstrations and asked him to assure Kenyans that this time it will be different.

Raila said Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had attacked his reputation without giving any evidence.

“You can kill me, but you can’t kill the spirit of Raila that lives in the majority of Kenyans. Even if you assassinate me, my spirit will live on. I am ready to pay the ultimate prize for Kenyans,” said Raila.

The former Prime Minister also hit out at other Kenya Kwanza leaders who he claimed were spreading lies about him.

He said his supporters will not destroy businesses during Monday’s demonstrations in Nairobi.

“We have no business with anyone’s business. Our business on Monday will be to get back our stolen victory,” Raila said in reference to the last presidential election which he insists was rigged against him.

He insisted that the IEBC servers should be opened, adding that the demonstrations will not end until they open the servers.

Raila accused Ruto of refusing to take steps to bring down the cost of living and instead pursuing policies that increase the suffering of Kenyans.

“He has proceeded to institute a one community regime in which critical appointments go only to members of one ethnic group to the exclusion of more than 47 others and in complete violation of the inclusivity provisions of our constitution,” he said.

He also accused the President of trying to make Kenya a one party State by “buying”  opposition legislators and “forcing” other parties to fold and join his own.

“Ruto has resisted calls for an audit of the IEBC servers as a step towards electoral justice and ensuring integrity of elections and has resisted appeals to reconstitute the IEBC in consultation with others,” he added.

According to Raila, Ruto was pursuing a policy that Kenya is a private company in which shareholding depends on how you voted.

“To right these wrongs, and in line with the provisions of our constitution, we reaffirm that we have a date with destiny and shall march on and occupy Nairobi on Monday,” he said.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said they had listened to the views of Kenyans across the country and their main concern was the cost of living.

He said the value of shilling had dipped while prices of basic commodities had gone up, adding that they must fight for the rights of all Kenyans.

“We are speaking for all Kenyans notwithstanding their political affiliations. Other countries are cushioning their people. Those who have not, there are demonstrations everywhere,” said Kalonzo.

He added that the demonstrations will be peaceful adding that those planning chaos will not be allowed to do so.

“They have a plan to disrupt the demonstrations by hiring goons to infiltrate our cause to break into businesses, this is wrong,” he said.

He added: “We will give directions and we mean business on Monday.”

Kalonzo further warned the international community against interfering in Kenyan affairs.

Former CS Eugene Wamalwa said a number of countries in the world will also be holding demonstrations on Monday.

“Raila has sacrificed a lot for democracy and the people of this country for many years. He knows what he is doing,” said Wamalwa.