Nairobi News

NewsWhat's Hot

Wait for 2022, DP Ruto tells Raila

By PSCU October 16th, 2017 1 min read

Deputy President William Ruto has asked opposition leader Raila Odinga to wait for 2022 if he is not ready for the October 26 fresh election.

Speaking on Monday at Zombe trading centre in Kitui County where he accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta on the campaign trail, Deputy President Ruto said those who have withdrawn from the race should not prevent those who are willing to participate in the October 26 poll from doing so.

“If you decided you are not interested in the October 26 fresh election and withdrew from the race, we are appealing to you to allow us to elect our President in peace,” the Deputy President said.

CAUSING COMMOTION

“Since you withdrew from the fresh poll, why are you demonstrating and causing commotion? Allow us to elect President Kenyatta on October 26 and prepare to meet me at the ballot in 2022 if by then you will be ready,” the DP told Mr Odinga.

President Kenyatta said the opposition leader’s fear of defeat should not be allowed to deny Kenyans their right to express their will through the ballot box in line with the Constitution.

The President said the opposition is free not to participate in the October 26 fresh election but they should not prevent those who want to exercise their democratic right from doing so.

“Whereas we appreciate the constitutional right of every Kenyan to demonstrate and picket peacefully, we also as a Government understand our obligation to secure the lives and property of Kenyans who do not wish to participate in the demonstrations,” President Kenyatta said.