Deputy President William Ruto has claimed opposition leader Raila Odinga pulled out of the October 26 repeat elections after sensing defeat.
He said recent defections by National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders to Jubilee Party across the country was a clear indication to the opposition that they would not win the fresh election.
Mr Ruto said the court ruling, that has allowed inclusion of Thirdway Alliance party presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot in the fresh elections, nullified Mr Odinga’s attempts to withdraw from the race.
DEFEAT
“He wanted to avoid a humiliating defeat but the court today (Wednesday) has ruled that all candidates, who participated in August 8 (elections) will be on the ballot. So he will not escape another defeat,” said the Deputy President.
On Wednesday, the High Court ordered the electoral agency to include Mr Aukot in the October 26 repeat election. The court also ruled that candidates, who participated in the nullified election can contest in the fresh elections.
Speaking Wednesday in Kajiado, Mr Ruto wondered why Mr Odinga was not willing to participate in the elections, having claimed that he won in the recent presidential election.
“Mr Odinga, you had claimed you had won. Don’t run away. You have been given another chance,” Mr Ruto chided the Nasa leader.
He said President Uhuru Kenyatta won the August 8 elections and will triumph again on October 26 with or without Nasa leader being on the ballot.
“They (opposition) have done their calculations and they know they cannot defeat Jubilee in the elections. All these high sounding words they are using are mere excuses,” the Deputy President said.
NEGOTIATIONS
Mr Ruto said Kenyans will choose their leaders through elections, and not negotiations in boardrooms.
He claimed the opposition wanted to cause chaos through demonstrations so as to negotiate a coalition government.
“We will not accept shortcuts to power. Whoever wants to lead Kenyans should subject himself to the people,” he added.
Mr Ruto said the government will assist pastoralists in the area currently facing drought.
He said the government will construct dams and sink boreholes to reduce water shortage.
WEATHER
He said the government will also buy weak animals from the farmers and help them restock when the weather improves.
The Deputy President spoke when he received former ODM Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye, who decamped to Jubilee.
Also present at Mr Nkedianye’s home in Kitengela were governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and Samuel Tunai (Narok).
Mr Nkedianye said he decided to join Jubilee because of its development record.
He said he will withdraw his petition against Mr Lenku as well as support his administration deliver to the Kajiado people.
