No plans to steal 2017 elections, Deputy President William Ruto tells Kenyans

**DP William Ruto in a jovial mood with Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Bobasi MP Stephen Manoti during a meeting with Kisii and Nyamira political and opinion leaders at his Sugoi home [Photo/DPPS]**

Deputy President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the general election next year will be free, fair and peaceful.

Ruto said those preaching violence whether in Jubilee or the Opposition should be subjected to the due process of law.

The Deputy President said it is the democratic right of Kenyans to elect leaders of their choice without intimidation.

He dismissed claims by Opposition leaders that there were plans to rig the election saying the claims were unwarranted and superfluous.

“What Kenyans want is a free and fair democratic process,” said Ruto.

“Those talking about political violence whether in the Jubilee side or the Opposition should not be tolerated,” he added.

The Deputy President said those alleging rigging in next year’s elections were engaging in propaganda that he said was informed by fear of losing the elections.

“All these claims you hear about rigging and violence is nothing but propaganda by people who are losing support and Kenyans must ignore them,” said Ruto.

“We do not want to engage in divisive politics. We want to create peace and stability for our country,” said the Deputy President.

Addressing leaders from Kisii and Nyamira Counties who called on him at his Sugoi home in Uasin -Gishu County on Thursday, Ruto urged Kenyans to embrace peace and reconciliation.

The meeting was attended by among others MPs Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Masaba), Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge Borabu), Stephen Manoti (Bobasi), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache-South), Elijah Mondi (Nyaribari Masaba) Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache), Zebedeo Opore (Bonchari), Hosea Ochwang (nominated Senator) and Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi.

Others were Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Elisha Busienei (Turbo), Isaac Melly (Uasin-Gishu) and Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin-Gishu) and William Kabogo (Kiambu).

“I have personally forgiven those who wronged me and I hope you will forgive those who wronged you so that we move as brothers and sisters of this great nation,” said Ruto.

The chairman of the Abagusii Council of Elders James Matundura praised the ongoing unity efforts by the Government saying it was the only way to unite Kenyans.

“We are happy that there is peace across the country because of commitment by this Government to uniting the people of Kenya,” said Mr. Matundura.