Raila Odinga vows to back DP William Ruto if the Kalenjin support him in 2017

CORD leader Raila Odinga has vowed to support Deputy President William Ruto in 2022 if the Kalenjin support his 2017 presidential bid.

Raila, who was in Sotik, Bomet County, for a church fundraiser, disclosed that he would be CORD’s flag bearer, and that the 2017 General Election would be a contest between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Since Mr Ruto will be vying as Kenyatta’s running mate, I want to plead with the Kalenjin to stand with me so that in 2022 we can talk over Ruto’s presidential bid,” he said.

Raila said he was ready for talks with the deputy president so that he gets his backing for 2017 and he reciprocates in 2022.

“There will not be a contest between Raila and Ruto and, therefore, as people of Rift Valley stand with me in 2017 as it happened in 2007 so that we have full stakes of the Government and we can talk with Ruto for my backing in 2022, which he has declared interest,” Raila said.

SRUCTURED TALKS

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The former Prime Minister said there was no ill will between him and Ruto and all that was needed are structured talks to iron out things and that he was willing to support him achieve his 2022 dream.

“We can talk so that I can support the Deputy President in 2022 which he has declared to run for presidency,” he added.

MP Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Silvance Osele (Kasipul Kabondo), Irshad Sumra (Embakasi South) and Ugunja’s Opiyo wandayi accompanied Raila during the event. Neither Governor Isaac Ruto nor area MP was present during the event.

Leading the calls on Ruto to read the signs, Mr Midiwo said Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila were live examples who backed Mt Kenya leaders in the past and never got favours for election into the highest office in the country.

“Ruto should learn from the experience of former Prime Minister and Kalonzo who despite declaring their support for leaders from Mt Kenya, their favours were not returned,” Midiwo said.

He added: “Raila is famous for declaring ‘Kibaki tosha’ and after that we never heard Kibaki returning the same favour.” Mr Wandayi said Kiambu Governor William Kabogo’s sentiments should not be taken lightly and should serve as a wake up call for members of the Kalenjin community.