Stop attacking IEBC, Uhuru Kenyatta tells Raila Odinga team

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto address residents of Kimilili, Bungoma County, during their September 7 campaign tour. [Chrispinus Sechere, Standard]

Jubilee leaders have once again called on the National Super Alliance to stop attacking the electoral agency.

On the campaign trail Thursday in Bungoma County, President Uhuru Kenyatta said it was wrong for the Opposition to push the commission to the wall with its demands.

Speaking in Kimilili constituency, the President said it is inappropriate for NASA to call for the disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over its failed attempt at the presidency.

He pointed out that the commission is the same one that oversaw the election of other NASA leaders.

“It is the same commission that saw the election of their leaders, including Senator Moses Wetang’ula. Now, why are they complaining that the commission did not do its job well or is it because they lost the top seat?” said Uhuru.

He urged Bungoma residents to give him more votes in the repeat presidential election, saying he was grateful for the 30 per cent support he got from the county in the August 8 polls.

“We have come to thank you for supporting us in the August 8 election and to ask you to turn out in large numbers to express your supreme will on October 17,” Uhuru said.

Another opportunity

The President further said that he was determined to unite Kenyans and that he will not leave any community behind.

He said Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka was part of his team and that after he lost the governorship race, he found another opportunity.

Uhuru asked the new governor, Mr Wycliffe Wangamati, to work with the national government.

“You know we do not leave anyone behind so that is why you see after he lost we stood with him and supported his bid. Now the current governor should work with us and deliver for the people,” he said.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Opposition had no chance of winning the repeat presidential election. Mr Ruto said it was clear from the number of elective seats in the country that Kenyans had faith in Jubilee.

“We beat them totally because if you look at the number of governors, senators, woman reps, MPs, and MCAs, we have the majority seats and this is a clear indication of how popular we are in the country,” he said.

Coalition government

Mr Ruto also faulted the Opposition’s calls for replacement of the IEBC leadership.

“If they have no problem with the other seats, why are they worried? They should prepare for a resounding defeat,” he said.

Didmus Barasa (MP, Kimilili) said it was time for change and western Kenya, especially Bungoma, was not ready to stay in the Opposition. He said a section of Bungoma leaders were out to fight others but their efforts were failing.

John Waluke (MP, Sirisia), said Raila Odinga and his team were planning for a coalition government since they ‘will not accept defeat’.

“We know they want a coalition government because they are sensing another defeat so they are looking for ways to push us but we will not accept,” he said.

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