Azimio dismisses DP's corruption claims, vows to hand him heavy defeat

Raila Odinga addresses supporters in Bondo during his campaign tour in Siaya County. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has told off Deputy President William Ruto over his plans to investigate President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration should he win on August 9, 2022.

The leaders, who vowed to hand the DP a heavy defeat, claimed that they are the ones who will initiate investigations against Ruto, whom they claimed had a tainted legacy since his entry into politics in the early 1990s.

This came as Raila and his team exuded confidence in clinching the presidency and vowing to ensure that their supporters register a 100 per cent voter turnout.

The team also called on their supporters to remain steadfast in their support for Raila’s presidential bid, adding that he is the best bet to transform the country.

The leaders claimed that their forays across the country have strengthened their chances and that the DP should brace for a resounding defeat in the August 9 General Elections.

Speaking in rallies in Siaya, Raila, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, alongside their allies rallied their supporters to ensure that there is a maximum voter turnout to improve their victory margin, while drumming up support for their economic plan pegged on fight against corruption, job creation, health, education and social protection.

Tough duel

Raila said that the DP had been daring him for a political contest and claimed that he is now ready to teach him a political lesson and trounce him in the polls to usher in a new dawn for the country.

“Kenyans have told me they are now prepared. He (Ruto) has been daring me for a political duel. I am ready and we will transform this country,” said Raila as he shared his economic plan for the country with his Nyanza backyard.

The presidential hopeful claimed that their manifesto and the plans they have for the country is unmatched and discredited the DP’s reform agenda as he also tackled fears of voter apathy in his support bases by urging supporters to ensure there is maximum voter turnout. He claimed he will prioritise the fight against corruption.

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi said that they will ensure that Raila gets 100 per cent voter turnout to boost their victory margin.

And with the row between the DP and his boss president Uhuru Kenyatta deepening, Raila’s allies who accompanied him in the rallies came to the defense of the president and claimed the DP should be on the investigation list.

They accused the DP of being insincere with his comments and claimed that the manifesto he launched did not state how he intended to fight corruption. According to the leaders, the claims by the DP to investigate Uhuru is wishful thinking, adding that he will not even win the presidency to enable him get powers to institute any investigations.

Speaking at several stops in Siaya county, the leaders went bare-knuckle against the DP and accused him of being among the ring leaders in corruption. They claimed he has also assembled a team of allies with questionable integrity whom they claim should be among those who should be probed.

The leaders included former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Anyang’ Nyon’o (Kisumu), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), senator James Orengo (Siaya) and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed criticised the DP and claimed he should be investigated.

According to the leaders, Ruto’s career has been rocked with several controversies and scandals.

“We know him (Ruto) very well. His CV stinks since 1992 all the way up to now. He has several problems and investigations should start with Ruto,” said Nyong’o.

Ngilu questioned the source of wealth of the DP and claimed that their administration will ensure that any ill-gotten wealth from the public will be returned.

The leaders also took a swipe at some of the leaders who are supporting the DP’s bid and claimed that they also have tainted political careers.