Deputy President William Ruto yesterday urged political leaders to stop inciting Kenyans on the basis of tribes during election campaigns, saying it will polarise the country.

Speaking at AIC Ilmasin Church in Kajiado West sub-county yesterday, the DP who sounded less abrasive lashed out at Orange party leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of preaching tribalism.

“We heard our competitors hurling insults and inciting Kenyans against each other. They are have run out of ideas and plan for this country. In United Democratic Alliance we are rooting to unite Kenyans.

“We want a peaceful Kenya even after the General Election and this is what every Kenyan want. No level of intimidation by some political quarters will compromise this call for our unity. That is what exactly what UDA is committed to do,” he said.

Emotive issues

Ruto assured UDA supporters and aspirants for fair nominations, and expressed confidence that he will work hard to ensure he clinches the presidency.

“In the UDA team, it will be a win-win game. The will of the people in the ballot will be honoured but at the same time our party will not have losers.

Those who will lose in primaries will be accommodated to ensure we form the next government,” he said. Ruto further urged the congregation not to be swayed by political whirlwinds but be steadfast in serving the Lord.

“I have heard our competitors question our generosity. We do not give because we have but it is our service to God,” said Ruto.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah slammed Raila’s Saturday Narok rally, saying it was characterised by incitements, especially on emotive land issues.

He rooted for UDA’s bottom-up economic model, saying it will liberate Kenyans. “In the Narok rally they incited the Maa community against other tribes on emotive land issues. Why didn’t they tell the community who has grabbed Kedong Ranch? We will revert some of these lands to the community after forming the next government,” said Ichung’wah.

Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, who will jostle for UDA governorship ticket with her Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito and former National Transport and Safety Authority boss Francis Meja, urged government security apparatus to rein in inciters.

Narok rally

“We demand Government agencies to be alert and neutral. I urge the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to be on the lookout and crack the whip indiscriminately. We are all aware of what transpired during the Narok rally. We expect some leaders to be charged with incitement, “said Tobiko.

Her sentiments were echoed by Kajiado Senator Philip Mpayei, MP Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South) Nominated Senator Mary Seneta, who is eyeing Kajiado East parliamentary seat on UDA ticket.

“No system or amount of intimidation can shake our presidential candidate, DP Ruto. He connects directly to the electorates who remain loyal to the course,’’ said Ole Metito.

Ruto returned to vote-rich Kajiado days after holding rallies in Embul-bul, Gataka and Ong’ata Rongai town in what was perceived as a move to cement UDA political inroads. Other leaders present included MPs George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Janet Teyiaa (Woman Rep Kajiado), former NTSA boss Francis Meja among handful of Ward Reps.