Raila-Sponsored 'Militia' Blocked Kenyans from Voting, DP William Ruto Says

Deputy President William Ruto says opposition chief Raila Odinga organized a 'militia' to scare away Kenyans from participating in the October 26th repeat presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday in an interview with Al Jazeera, Ruto blamed Raila for the low voter turnout. He said that the opposition leader employed chaos and violence that blocked voters from casting their ballots, especially in opposition bedrock.

“Those people who did not vote did not manage to vote because of violence that was sponsored by Mr Odinga in his region. In fact, he (Odinga) organized militia that stopped citizens from accessing polling stations. He organized militia to stop IEBC officials [and] electoral material from getting to polling stations,” Ruto said.

The DP further ruled out possibilities of entering in talks with opposition leader Raila Odinga on matters elections.

“Our statement and our position to our friend Mr Odinga is that Kenya is a constitutional democracy and every imaginable situation has been provided for by the constitution. Whatever he is alleging about an election in 90 days is nowhere in the constitution and no one person however important or popular they think they are can change the provisions of the constitution,” Ruto stated.

He added: “There will be no election in 90 days, there will be no discussion on matters to do with election. We will have dialogue with Mr. Odinga on other matters and not matters that have been settled by the people of Kenya in their supreme will on the ballot.”

Last week, Raila said the coalition will push for a fresh election in 90 days that will be credible.

“We will mobilise all progressive forces in the country to ensure a fresh, free and fair presidential election is organised within 90 days,” Raila said.