Uhuru says Opposition inciting youths to disrupt election

President Uhuru Kenyatta (second right) and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi with other leaders during a Jubilee campaign rally in Kabarnet Town, Baringo County. [Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday defended Jubilee Party against accusations of interfering with the independence of the electoral commission.

Instead, Uhuru accused the National Super Alliance (NASA) of sabotaging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) preparations for the upcoming repeat election.

“We are not interfering with the independence of IEBC. What we are interested in is the voice of Kenyans to be heard through the ballot,” Uhuru said.

He was addressing a campaign rally in Saboti constituency in Trans Nzoia County, accompanied by his deputy William Ruto and a host of Jubilee legislators.

Speaking at Saboti trading centre, Uhuru denied that Jubilee was pushing IEBC to conduct the process in its favour, reiterating his party was prepared for the election.

He asked the commission to put in place proper systems to ensure that the poll was successfully conducted accordance to the wishes of Kenyans.

“We are not pushing any person or IEBC on how to conduct the election, or issuing conditions. All we are asking IEBC to do is conduct a fair and free election for the good of this country,” he said.

The President said it was wrong and a breach of the law for NASA leaders to incite youths from its stronghold areas to interfere with the arrangements.

“If Raila Odinga is not interested in participating in the poll, let him stop inciting his supporters to disrupt IEBC preparations and attacking the commission’s officials.

"No Kenyan will be forced to take part in the polls if he or she is not willing to do so,” he said.

Uhuru reminded Kenyans it was their constitutional right to elect their leader and asked them not to listen to those opposed to the election.

Mr Ruto urged the county residents to back Uhuru's re-election bid to enable him to complete development projects that are underway.

“Vote for Uhuru on the platform of performance and ignore those making noise that there will be no election if there are no reforms,” said Ruto.

And in Baringo County, Senator Gideon Moi, also the Kanu party national chairman, urged residents to support Uhuru and Jubilee.

"We have decided, and let me whisper something to you; the house is in order, let's vote for Uhuru,” said Gideon.

He said the time had come to send Raila and his team home and have the country move forward.

Meanwhile, Ford Kenya suffered a major blow after some Trans Nzoia officials defected to Jubilee.

Branch secretary Martin Waliaula, women's leader Sorophina Masakari and Kiminini chairman James Wanambisi were received by Ruto at Birunda Catholic Church.