President Uhuru Reacts to the Withdrawal of Raila from the Presidential Race

President Uhuru Kenyatta has reacted to the withdrawal of his rival National Super Alliance (NASA) candidate Raila Odinga from the October 26th repeat presidential race.

Speaking during a campaign stop in Voi, Taita Taveta county on Tuesday, the President said that the election will continue as scheduled despite the withdrawal of the former Prime Minister.

"Naskia sasa umesema umewithdraw baada yakutupeleka huku na kule tumetumia pesa mabilioni yenye tungetumia kwa maendeleo na sasa unasema hutaki tena(We have heard that you have withdrawn after taking us in circles, the billion of shillings we could have used on development now have been wasted)," said Uhuru.

"It is the people rights to elect the leader of their choice whether you are there or not, there is no portion of the Constitution that states that elections cannot be conducted if Raila does not participate," he added.

Speaking at the same rally, Deputy President William Ruto echoed the sentiments by the President and called for the declaration of Uhuru as President.

The two spoke moments after Raila and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka formally bowed out of the race for the fresh election ordered by the Supreme Court.