Jubilee: Western envoys imposing leaders on voters

By Luke Anami and Michael Chepkwony

Nandi, Kenya: Jubilee candidates have made an attack on the Western diplomats claiming they support CORD presidential candidate Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The candidates were on their fourth day of campaigns in the North Rift region.

Jubilee presidential flag bearer Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto for the second day running accused US, French and British envoys of undermining democracy by dictating to Kenyans the leaders they should elect, saying they should come out clean on whom they support instead of issuing veiled threats at their candidature.

“Western diplomats should not dance around issues. They should tell us they support Raila and we will meet at the ballot,” Ruto said at a rally on Sunday  in Nandi Hills.

Ruto claimed US diplomat Johnnie Carson and the British High Commissioner support Raila.

Advocate for violence

He said statements made by the foreign envoys were tantamount to threats and intimidation to their supporters to vote a certain way. He equated those who use threats and intimidation to those who use violence. 

“They should stop telling us that if you vote a certain way there will be consequences. There is no difference between those who issue threats and intimidation and those who advocate for violence. It’s too bad for them because its Kenyans who will decide,” Ruto said during the rally attended by Jubilee’s bigwigs including Water minister Charity Ngilu, Nairobi senator aspirant on TNA ticket Mike Mbuvi ‘Sonko’, Joyce Laboso and Rachel Shebesh.

On agriculture, he said farmers should take part in the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The economy, he said, will be technology based which will engage the youth in all sectors so that it grows by 10 per cent per year, adding that Jubilee government will equip schools with computers to facilitate IT learning.

Uhuru voiced his concern over claims by Western diplomats that Kenyans should not vote for Ruto and he because the two were facing crimes against humanity charges at the ICC.

“We wish to inform Western diplomats that they should allow voters to make their own choice. We have agreed to submit ourselves to the will of the people. We shall therefore not succumb to threats and intimidation,” Uhuru explained.

Mature democracy

He dismissed allegations that he united with Ruto because of the ICC cases. Instead, he said he was a law-abiding citizen and would adhere to the ICC process till the end of the proceedings whether he won or not.

“We know we are innocent but we believe in the rule of law. Whether in government or not, we will follow through the process of ICC,” he added.

Speaking at a rally in Nandi Hills during their second day of campaigns in Nandi County, Uhuru challenged a section of Western countries to show the infrastructure they have put in place in Kenya.

“Let the British say the last time they funded a road, a school or a hospital. They called on Kenya to refund FPE money and it did. But our children still continue going to school,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Kenya is a mature democracy and it is set to determine its own destiny. “Kenya trades more with its neighbours such as Uganda than with others,” said Uhuru.

“We will team up with our neighbours and other partners of goodwill to steer Kenya forward.”

Najib Balala told Western diplomats to disclose whom their preferred presidential candidate is. “In 2007 we were in Pentagon but now Raila has no one else but his European friends. They should therefore tell us whom they prefer,” he said.

Ngilu termed the ICC as a conspiracy of Western governments to stop the Uhuru/Ruto leadership. She promised free maternity health services for women should Jubilee coalition win this year’s elections.