Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has reunited with his erstwhile political rival Deputy President William Ruto to campaign for President Uhuru Kenyatta in the repeat presidential election.
And in what was described as the “Kapkatet-Kalenjin Declaration,” made at the Kapkatet Stadium in Kericho County yesterday, Rift Valley leaders including Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi vowed to rally the community behind Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta who welcomed the former Bomet governor back to Jubilee, exuded confidence that the return of rebel Rift Valley leaders to the fold will hand him victory in the October 17 elections.
“As Jubilee, we promised to unite Kenyans and today we have demonstrated that by bringing Ruto and his party on board,” he said.
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The president reiterated that he respects the decision of the Supreme Court and was optimistic of reaffirming his victory in the elections.
He said Raila Odinga should not interfere with IEBC and the date set for the presidential election.
“I am warning him because I am still the president and he is just a presidential candidate and not the president. He must know his place,” Kenyatta said.
The Head of State told the electoral commission to put in place concrete plans to ensure Kenyans cast the ballot on the set date.
“IEBC should get to work and stop the monkey business that might derail the repeat polls. A few individuals should not be allowed to destroy the country’s economy for their selfish interests,” he said.
He noted that the country has lost more than Sh50 billion in investment since the Supreme Court nullified the presidential election.
The DP welcomed the former governor to the Jubilee political party fold saying unity among Kenyans must start at home.
“We want the whole world to know that Kalenjin community is united and will speak with one voice from now on,” he said.
Describing former governor as his “friend and brother,” the DP welcomed him to address the crowd with a hug.
The Chama cha Mashinani leader sent the crowd into thunderous applause when he said his going to Jubilee was after the trip to Canaan with NASA failed to materialise.
“I tried to take my people to Canaan but on looking back, they were still in villages and I was alone, with only a few standing with me...I’ve had to go back and ask them what happened,” he said in defense to his decision to join Jubilee.
The DP maintained that the Supreme Court erred in nullifying the August 8 presidential election but said Jubilee was ready for a return to the ballot.
“We are going back to the polls not because we lost but because we respect the rule of law and our Constitution,” Ruto said.
Overturn the will
He challenged NASA leaders to make good their threats to boycott the October 17 elections saying this will see Kenyatta sworn in as President.
“Our competitors hatched an evil plan to overturn the will of the people but we are ready for another contest but if they continue with threats, Kenyatta will be sworn in as president because he won,” he said.
The DP urged the Supreme Court judges to end the suspense and read the full judgement. Ruto also challenged the IEBC commissioners to demonstrate that they are ready to conduct the elections.
“Chebukati should stop writing memos and get to work on the presidential election,” he said.
Gideon said the unity of Kalenjin leaders was to ensure Kenyatta retains the presidency.
“Kanu is well and today Kalenjin leaders have come here and are standing side by side as a team. As the son of the retired president I must say this is golden opportunity for all of us to get together as one and pull in one direction,” he said.
Jubilee rebel MP Johanna Ngeno (Emurua Dikir, Kanu) also returned to the fold, saying the unity the community was paramount.
