President Uhuru urges election winners, losers to steer vote hunt

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses Central leaders at Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri County

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on winners and losers in the August 8 elections to unite and campaign for him in the October 17 repeat poll.

Kenyatta asked the leaders to form county committees which will be inclusive and represent the people.

“Winners and losers of the General Election have supporters, we cannot ignore the influence of leaders such as former Meru Governor Peter Munya and former Kiambu governor William Kabogo,” he said.

“We are here to meet and organise ourselves within our counties using strategies that incorporate both winners and losers.”

The President, who was addressing Jubilee leaders from Central at Sagana State Lodge, in Nyeri County, yesterday said he has received many defectors from the opposition.

He said what matters is to ensure IEBC continues to plan the election.

Held on schedule

The leaders had gathered to strategise on President Kenyatta’s re-election campaigns.

Kenyatta exuded confidence that the silent majority support Jubilee and no one should mistake their silence for weakness.

“We are the majority, but do not mistake the silence of the majority for weakness. The independent body (IEBC) should deliver a free election. We will accept the verdict of the people,” he said.

The Jubilee Party garnered more than eight million votes in the elections.

The party controls the National Assembly and Senate, and has majority governors, and Members of County Assemblies.

The President maintained that he won the August 8 election. “We looked for votes and we won, but the victory was stolen from us. This time we will win with more votes,” he said.

He said the repeat elections should be held on schedule and warned against attempts to delay the same. He noted that this will allow Kenyans to express their sovereign will again through casting their votes as stipulated by the Constitution.

He said those scheming to sabotage the exercise were keen to win power through the backdoor and their efforts would be thwarted by Jubilee and Kenyans of goodwill who believe in the rule of law.

“It is the will of the people that shall prevail. That is our declaration from Sagana.”

The President called on the opposition to respect the independence of the IEBC and allow it to prepare for the polls.

The President urged the leaders to preach peace.

He said Kenyans want to move on and do not want to continue living under perpetual campaigns.

“We must draw a line in the sand. An election must be held within 60 days, facilitate the process and let Kenyans vote. We have no problem or fight with anyone leave them alone,” he noted.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki announced that the leaders were organising themselves within counties in committees of 10 members to mobilise votes.

“In political campaigns it is not just about the number of voters, it is more important to ensure high voter turnout in order to ensure a win,” he said.

Muranga County MP Sabina Chege said the meeting focused on strategies for Jubilee campaigns. “As leaders we are willing to work together and ensure the President is re elected,” she said.

The President also told Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu to withdraw the petition seeking to oust Chief Justice David Maraga and focus on the October 17 election.

“There’s no need for bitterness, let it go,” he said.

He said Deputy William Ruto had decided to carry out separate campaigns in an effort to cover more regions.

“I and my deputy who is currently in Mombasa had to carry out campaigns separately because we have no time,” he said.