DP Ruto alleges intimidation and harassment of allies

President Uhuru Kenyatta salutes Deputy President William Ruto during the Jamuhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens. [DPPS, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has once again protested alleged political intimation and harassment of allies by State agencies.

Ruto said that use of brute force and blackmail will not influence the decision of voters in next year’s election.

He maintained that the outcome of elections will largely be determined by the economic models and political ideologies of leaders seeking elective seats.

“We must nurture our democracy by allowing political competition based on issues and ideologies. The use of blackmail, intimidation and coercion is backward and detrimental to our social development,” said Ruto.

“We in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) believe we have an economic model and political ideology that will move our country forward.”

Ruto made the remarks yesterday at his Karen residence in Nairobi, when he hosted a delegation of leaders from Samburu county led by Senator Steve Lelegwe.

Also present were MPs George Sunkuyia (Kajiado West), Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) and Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira).

It was not the first time the DP was protesting against alleged use of State agencies to intimidate leaders backing his presidential bid.

A section of leaders in Ruto’s camp are facing various cases in court ranging from corruption charges.

Yesterday, the DP urged his competitors to focus on selling their agenda rather than looking for shortcuts to ascend to power.

He claimed that certain individuals were meddling with operations of independent institutions for political gain.

UDA leaders recently protested over alleged involvement of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and his ICT counterpart Joe Mucheru’s in the succession politics.

They also raised concerns over Chief Justice Martha Koome’s inclusion in the multi-agency team on election preparedness.

Ruto allies have claimed that there was a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the polls by stifling the independence of the electoral commission.

The DP said Kenyans were after a leader with progressive ideas that will better their lives and not one imposed on voters.

He further asked Kenyans to avoid regional political parties whose main agenda is to divide the country.

“Let us all rally behind solid political parties that are centred on the issues of the people,” he said.

“The UDA manifesto has elaborate plans for all Kenyans; its key goal is to empower millions of ordinary Kenyans struggling to put food on the table.”

The DP regretted that five decades after independence, Kenyans in some parts of the country were still dying of hunger.

“That is why we are promoting a radical shift in our economic approach to facilitate uniform development across Kenya,” he said.

Kimani termed the Sh6,000 stipends for the poor promised by Raila as “bait meant to hoodwink voters”.