Residents protest against Matiang’i in Kisii as Ruto dares Raila to officially quit election

Deputy President William Ruto addresses residents at Moi Gardens in Kericho town. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto took Jubilee Party campaigns to Migori and Kisii counties, where he challenged Opposition leader Raila Odinga to formally withdraw from the repeat election.

He said Raila claimed to have pulled out of the repeat poll set for October 26 but he had not signed the necessary documents.

Ruto claimed Raila knew he would lose to President Uhuru Kenyatta and was already campaigning for 2022.

The DP said he was ready to take on the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader in 2022, when Uhuru will have completed his two terms.

"NASA leaders will not threaten us and the will of the people must prevail. We will not be held hostage by an individual because he has sensed defeat," said Ruto.

The DP first campaigned in Ntimaru in Kuria, Migori County, and later Etago in Kisii County. He then headed for Kericho County.

He accused Raila of organising protests that were disrupting business while profiling Kenyans through violence.

“We want to ask our competitors not to profile our tribes using violence. We had the same problems in 2008 and we want NASA to stop their demonstrations and allow Kenya to go on with a peaceful election,” Ruto said.

He said the Government would deploy adequate security during next week's poll to allow Kenyans to exercise their rights without hindrance.

Speaking in Etago, Ruto said Raila withdrew after realising he could not win.

"We are ready for the election because that is the only democratic process Kenyans have to elect their leaders. We are tired of demonstrations that are only geared towards destroying property and shedding the blood of innocent Kenyans," said Ruto.

"Not a single person can purport to have powers to stop an election. If the President and Deputy President cannot stop an election ordered by the Supreme Court, who is this who thinks he has the powers to go against a court ruling?"

Majority leader

Ruto was accompanied by acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Senate Leader of Majority Kipchumba Murkomen.

"Some people think they can continue threatening me. I am not a coward. I respect the Constitution. Some people think they will mess with people's property and walk away freely," said Dr Matiang'i.

NASA supporters took to the streets of Kisii town to protest against Matiang'i's order. The protesters complained of rising police brutality against Opposition supporters.

Matiang'i asked the residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties not to shame him by ensuring that they voted for Uhuru and Ruto.

Sonko said the time had come for Raila to retire from active politics.

"Kenyans are now tired of Raila. He should quit."

Murkomen said Jubilee would ensure that the country was not held to ransom due to Raila's threats and conditions.

Speaking in Kericho later, Ruto questioned NASA’s commitment to democracy.

“We were ordered to repeat the election even though we did not agree with the Supreme Court decision. We are asking you to come out and vote for Jubilee,” he said.

“Your representatives in Parliament have already voted for Sh25 billion for free secondary school education. We are ready to continue with our development agenda.

“Our competitors should stop the protests. When the court ordered a repeat poll, they brought new hurdles. They wanted IEBC commissioners out among other things. They are clearly not ready for the election.

“If Raila has withdrawn from the election, that is his right. But he should allow Kenyans to exercise their right to vote."

[Edwin Nyarangi, Eric Abuga, Patrick Kibet, Nikko Tanui]