By ALLAN KISIA

Leaders of the G7 group reacted sharply to the election date announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Eldoret North MP William Ruto said IEBC should withdraw the March 4, 2013, date it announced on Saturday and allow Kenyans to vote this year.

"Kenyans are already in an election mood and majority of voters want to go to the polls in December. The commission should give Kenyans a new date," said Ruto.

He said President Kibaki’s term ends in December while that of MPs expires in January, next year.

"Going to polls in March next year would mean the President will be in office illegally. Isaack Hassan should also read the mood of the people," he stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the G7 Alliance will form the next government regardless of whether elections are held this year or next.

"When elections come, we will be there as a team and we will certainly form the next government," said Uhuru.

Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa echoed Uhuru’s sentiments, saying the journey to victory began on Saturday with the announcement of the polls date.

"G7 is a team that will win the elections even if they are held in March," he reiterated.

He added: "It is injury time and the whistle has been blown. We have 11 months before we emerge victorious."

Wamalwa said the elections will have the G7 and ODM as the main contenders.

"ODM had Ruto, who left. Its deputy party leader Musalia Mudavadi is also is the process of leaving, including many other members," he said.

Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni expressed confidence the alliance will win on whichever date.

"Whether it is now, in December or March next year, we are the ones who will win the elections," he explained. The G7 leaders were speaking while addressing a series of rallies in Bungoma County. They addressed locals in Kamukuywa, Kimilili, and Chwele before holding a major rally at Bungoma town’s Posta Grounds. Also in the entourage were Cabinet minister Samuel Poghisio and MPs Musikari Kombo, Adan Duale, Joshua Kuttuny and former assistant minister Raphael Wanjala.

While addressing a rally in Kimilili, Ruto said elections should be held in December, arguing that it is the people who will decide the winner.

"Where did this March date come from? The team that is loved by the people will win regardless of what they want," he added.