Ruto Writes to IEBC, Foreign Missions Alleging Plot to Rig Elections

Deputy President William Ruto has written to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) alleging a plot by the government to interfere with next week’s elections.

Through his national chief agent Senator Kithure Kindiki, Ruto claims that the government plans to suppress voter turnout in his Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya strongholds as part of the scheme to influence the outcome of the election in favor of his competitor.

Ruto, who is eyeing the presidency on a UDA party ticket, accused the government of using chiefs, bribing voters and engaging in smear media campaigns to clip his vote potential in areas perceived to be his strongholds.

“The State is threatening and blackmailing chiefs and county commissioners with the loss of their jobs if they do not become operatives for Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party,” Kindiki says in a letter to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati.

Kindiki cited a manipulated video of Ruto speaking at a campaign rally in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County which was shared by Mombasa Governor Ali Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, saying it was part of the efforts to discredit the deputy president’s character.

“Two radio stations (names withheld) are spreading inciting propaganda on their vernacular programmes. Their narratives are focused on violence and conflict and must cease and desist,” Kindiki added.

He further alleged that government agents are buying ID cards in Ruto’s strongholds to make it impossible for them to cast their ballot on August 9th.

The letter was copied to heads of diplomatic missions, the director of public prosecutions, the chairperson of the Public Service Commission and heads of local and international elections observer groups.