DP William Ruto accused of using dirty tricks in Kericho

West Pokot Senator Prof John Lonyangapuo

Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has been accused of employing propaganda and intimidation in the Kericho senatorial campaign.

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo has alleged that Ruto has been traversing the county disparaging Kanu and peddling falsehoods, asking residents not to vote for any other candidate besides the Jubilee one.

"Kanu is a Jubilee coalition partner and when the DP claims that by not voting for a Jubilee party candidate, the residents would be voting for the Opposition that is false," said the senator.

He said whether a Kanu or Jubilee candidate wins the Kericho by-election the elected member will sit on the ruling coalition's side in the Senate and not the Opposition.

"We are asking the Deputy President to respect us because through Kanu Jubilee has the Senate majority and if the contempt from the DP continues we will consider our stance with them," said Mr Lonyangapuo.

The senator, who was speaking at a fundraiser in Elgeyo Marakwet, also asked those implicated in corruption to step aside until they were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has stated he is ready to lose his seat in the coming General Election for being a Jubilee Coalition critic.

The MP who recently broke ranks with Jubilee and opted to campaign for the Kanu candidate in Kericho senatorial race said he would not backtrack on his criticism or tolerate empty promises and graft within the ruling coalition.

"I would rather lose the parliamentary seat than defend people determined to make the lives of Kenyans miserable through graft. I will not compromise my principles. The incumbent government should admit that they have failed to deliver on their promises," he said.

He added: "I will join other elders in the village or engage in charcoal-selling business if I lose the seat. Anybody mentioned in corruption must carry his/her own cross."

"On which platform will the Jubilee government campaign in the coming General Election yet none of the promises from the 2013 General Election has been fulfilled?" asked Mr Sudi, who was speaking at Segero Secondary School during a funds drive.

He added: "I am not opposed to the Jubilee party but its leadership is wanting which has forced me to rethink my loyalty."