Azimio planning to reject election results, claims William Ruto and allies

DP William Ruto speaks at Kisii Sports Ground on July 24, 2022. [Michael Mute, Standard]

United Democratic Alliance presidential candidate William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua have accused their opponents in Azimio of planning to reject results if they lose in the August 9 elections. 

“They (Azimio) have already started acting desperate by complaining about the IEBC, but this time we shall not allow any protests or chaos after the elections, we shall beat you in the polls in the morning,” said DP Ruto.

Addressing rallies in Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Murang'a counties, Ruto said Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga skipped the Presidential Debate because he feared defeat on the podium.

“He (Raila) failed to show up for debate because he is afraid and at this rate, he might not show up for the election,” he claimed.

Gachagua said he faced off with Azimio presidential running Martha Karua in the running mates debate and this could have scared Raila from sharing the podium with Ruto.

“I was able to take on Karua, and that is why her boss refused to come for the debate because he couldn’t stand the mental and physical stamina needed for a debate,” he said.

The Kenya Kwanza leaders were accompanied by Nyeri UDA aspirants Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Wahome Wamatinga (Senate), Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Starehe MP Charles Kanyi. 

Speaking in Kirinyaga town, Gachagua, claimed Karua is a stumbling block to women empowerment. He accused the Azimio presidential running mate of being a hypocrite for saying she has women issues at heart, yet she dragged Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru through the courts up to the East African Court of Justice instead of conceding the election results announced by the IEBC in 2017.

"You ought to have been contented at least with the judgement passed by the Kerugoya High Court on the same," he said.

Waiguru said freedom from the high cost of living was on the way if Kenya Kwanza wins the elections. The governor affirmed that the region was supporting Ruto for president.

Nyoro accused Azimio of allegedly being behind the arrest of three Venezuelans saying the electoral commission should be allowed to work independently.

He said they were ready for elections whether the commission uses an electronic or manual voter register.

"We are ready for the August elections, whether the IEBC uses manual register or whichever means Kenya Kwanza is optimistic of winning. The IEBC should be allowed to work independently. The recent arrest of the Venezuelans at the JKIA was just intimidation," Nyoro said.

Gachagua claimed Karua's decision to walk out on the late President Mwai Kibaki when she served as Justice minister shows she cannot be trusted with leadership.

“Kibaki was the most easy-going leader in Kenya and she quit his government, do not listen to her,” he said.

Ruto and Gachagua drummed up support for UDA candidates and urged voters to elect them. Nyoro urged Nyeri residents to vote for the UDA presidential candidate to ensure development.

“You have a chance to be reminding Rigathi on projects you need, and he will know how to push for your development,” he said.

The leaders hit out at Kieni MP Kanini Kega for taking credit for development projects in the county saying this was achieved because of Ruto's efforts.

"The current MP used to support DP Ruto, that is when the over 500km of roads were built but when he jumped ship to support Raila, he has achieved nothing," Nyoro said.

Murkomen asked residents to vote for Wamatinga saying he would articulate county issues in the Senate.