Ruto, Raila Face-off over 2017 Elections as they Share Podium

The rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga played out on Friday when the two shared a podium at the funeral of the late cabinet minister Henry Obwocha.

The two political adversaries were seen warmly greeting each other and even sat side by side as the burial ceremony commenced.

However, when it was time to give their speeches, their bitter past took centre stage, reopening the healing wounds of last year's acrimonious presidential elections.

Odinga, who was the first to speak claimed he was the most popular presidential candidate and had won the race only to be rigged out.

He said: “Najua mimi niko na wafuasi wengi sana hapa. Mlinipiga kura kwa fujo kabisa…lakini sasa mnajua yale yalifanyika…watu walikasirika sana…tukaenda mbele ya Maraga (I know I have many supporters here who overwhelmingly voted for me…but now you know what happened…people were disappointed and we sought the intervention of CJ David Maraga)."

In a quick rejoinder, Deputy President Ruto maintained Jubilee won the contest and called on Odinga to concede defeat. He said elections had concluded and it was time for leaders to focus on country's development.

“Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani. Mimi nawaomba tukienda kwa uchaguzi tii uamuzi wa wananchi (He who does not accept defeat is a sore loser. I urge you to respect the decision of voters whenever we have an election),” DP Ruto said.

Other leaders present at the burial included Chief Justice David Maraga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula.

Others were Governors John Nyagarama (Nyamira), James Ongwae (Kisii) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega).