Judiciary working with NASA to postpone elections, says President Uhuru

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, address a rally in Lodwar, Turkana County, yesterday. [PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, stepped up their criticism of the Judiciary’s handling of election-related cases.

The two insisted that judges are working with the Opposition in a scheme to have the polls scheduled for August 8 postponed.

Ruto accused a section of the Judiciary of being partisan.

“There are judges who have shown their political stand. What will happen to the impartiality of the Judiciary? Chief Justice David Maraga should help us understand this situation,” said Ruto.

The DP lauded Maraga for setting the record straight on the recent ballot printing case, but accused the Judiciary of causing confusion.

“I want to thank the Chief Justice for clarifying that he did not direct the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) not to print ballot papers,” said Ruto.

Scuttling polls

Uhuru claimed that the Opposition was using the Judiciary and IEBC to scuttle the electoral process as they had sensed defeat.

“Everyone knows elections are to be held on August 8. These people should not play with our thoughts. If they are not ready, they should say so instead of using IEBC to push the election date. My brother Raila Odinga, with respect, accept that you are not ready and wait to vie with Ruto in 2022. Allow us to go to the ballot with those who are ready,” he said.

The President and his deputy were speaking during a rally at Moi Stadium in Lodwar, Turkana.

The leaders were scheduled to visit the county last Saturday but the tour was cancelled at the last minute after the death of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.

Yesterday, Uhuru took his campaign to Lokitaung, Kakuma, Lodwar, and Lokichar towns.

“I am asking you with respect that next month we walk together united into the second term. We are a government that works for the people. It is a government with people’s issues at heart,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru highlighted the progress the county has made in the past four years, including connecting more homes to electricity, providing piped water, improved health services, and roads.

Electricity connection

“Within two weeks all houses here in Kakuma will be connected to electricity through a diesel-powered generator. We will be switching on the last mile connection in Lokichar today,” said Uhuru.

The President also said the Government had upgraded the Lodwar and Lopiding hospitals.

Senator John Munyes, who is vying for the governor’s seat against Orange Democratic Movement’s Governor Josphat Nanok, was present.