Uhuru claims Raila plotting to abandon October 26 race

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and Hon. Hassan Omar share a light moment during a meeting of Jubilee Leaders from Coast Region at the Serani grounds, Mbaraki, Mombasa County. October 9th, 2017

NASA candidate Raila Odinga is planning to pull out of the October 26 repeat presidential election, President Uhuru Kenyatta has claimed.

Uhuru claimed Raila was orchestrating a political stalemate because he is planning to leave the race.

He said Raila should quickly to do so if he is no longer interested in vying in the fresh election ordered by the Supreme Court following nullification of his victory.

“We hear he is about to announce he is pulling out of the October 26 election. I do not know what excuse he has this time but I am telling him Kenyans are tired and they have spent a lot of money on this election. Let him move aside to end the political stalemate,” Uhuru said.

“If you do not want elections, move aside and let the nation move on. You cannot put the nation in suspense," he said.

Uhuru said he believes he won the August 8 presidential election but his victory was robbed by an unjust Supreme Court judgement triggered by Raila.

He also claimed that a recount of the ballots would prove he won the annulled elections.

“I am telling my competitor that I am sure I won on August 8. If we count the ballots, it will prove I won with a clear margin,” the President claimed, noting that despite his disagreement with the Supreme Court judgement, he was ready for new elections.

Uhuru claimed Raila had placed new obstacles to fresh elections through demands on the electoral agency, transmission of results and printing of ballot papers.

“We Kenyans are ready. About Sh12 billion has been prepared for these elections because of your petition,” Uhuru said, referring to the NASA presidential candidate.

"Kenyans are tired and want to move forward. If you do not want elections, step aside so that the country can move forward,” Uhuru said.

The President and his deputy William Ruto were addressing Jubilee leaders and defectors, who included former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar and former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu at Serani Grounds, Mombasa.

“We are filling the Jubilee box. Many Kenyans know the election of August 8 was free and fair. Now we are ready for the repeat election and we are sure we will win with a bigger margin,” said the President.

Omar, who has fallen out with NASA, launched a scathing attack against the Opposition.

“On August 8, I voted for Raila Amolo Odinga but on October 26, I will vote for Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and post a copy of the ballot on Facebook,” said Omar.

Uhuru welcomed Omar and other defectors, and promised to include Coast residents into his administration.

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