DP William Ruto: Why Raila Wants to Boycott Repeat Election

Deputy President William Ruto claims that National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga fears losing to President Uhuru Kenyatta in the repeat election scheduled for October 17th.

The Deputy President said that this is was the reason why the opposition is asking their supporters not to participate in the poll following the nullification of President Uhuru's August 8th victory.

Speaking when he took the Jubilee campaign to Vihiga County on Thursday, Ruto said Raila is using calls for reform and threats to derail the election while the truth of the matter is that he does not want to take part in the election for fear of losing “with an even bigger margin”.

He wondered why Raila was afraid of the election when he claimed to have popular support.

“Kenyans should be allowed to make their own decisions on the leaders they want. After all, it’s God who decides on leaders through elections,” said the Deputy President.

He accused Raila of seeking to cause confusion in the country in a bid to negotiate a coalition government.

“Nobody should stand in the way of Kenyans choosing leaders of their choice at the ballot box,” Mr Ruto said.

Ruto called on residents to vote for President Kenyatta, whom he described as a leader who was focused on uniting Kenyans and ensuring development.

“I must say thank you for giving us 18,000 votes during the August 8 elections, up from 2,000 in 2013. But as we approach the October 17 repeat presidential poll, I humbly ask for more support for President Kenyatta from this county. Give us more votes this time,” said Ruto.

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe and former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende accompanied him on the tour.

“As leaders, we should make sure we build bridges of friendship, brotherhood and togetherness, instead of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines,” Ruto said as he welcomed former Vihiga governor Moses Akaranga and his supporters to the Jubilee Party.

“I have come here with my supporters today to assure Jubilee that we will support the re-election of President Kenyatta come October 17,” said Akaranga.

Marende cautioned the Luhya against being misled to vote for the opposition which, he said, was not going anywhere.

“I want to ask you to vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta because he will still win the October 17 election.”