DP William Ruto moves to counter Governor Peter Munya in Meru

Deputy President William Ruto is welcomed by residents of Laare, Meru, Saturday. [PHOTO: PETER MUTHOMI/STANDARD]

Deputy President William Ruto has accused the Opposition of intimidating the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Mr Ruto asked Opposition leaders to give the electoral body space to prepare for the 2017 General Election.

He said the Opposition was better off seeking the support of Kenyans rather than engaging the electoral body in meaningless political theatrics.

"We must be very clear as leaders that elections are not about the leaders. Elections are about every Kenyan in Kenya today because it is their constitutional right to decide the leadership of the country," he said.

"We must allow Kenyans to make that decision in peace without threats, intimidation and blackmail," he added.

The DP yesterday took his campaigns to Nyambene region of Meru County where he announced new projects worth billions of shillings.

Ruto's visit to Nyambene came as Meru Governor Peter Munya began the second round of roadshows to popularise his political vehicle – the Party of National Unity.

Mr Munya's convoy was in North Imenti, Central Imenti and South Imenti, and is today set to complete another round of roadshows in the vote-rich South Imenti constituency, the stronghold of his gubernatorial rival, Kiraitu Murungi.

Ruto began his tour at Mutuate Secondary School in Igembe North where he attended a church service and then addressed a huge crowd at Mutuate market.

He announced that President Uhuru Kenyatta would visit the region in January to launch road projects and hand over medical equipment worth Sh800 million for the Meru and Nyambene hospitals.

Ruto also announced that 315km of roads worth Sh17 billion would be tarmacked in the region.

"Merus are hardworking people and with new roads, they will be more empowered as we work to reduce poverty," said Ruto.

He said the Jubilee government had so far spent Sh30 billion on the county.