Do not misuse police in polls, William Ruto warns rivals

Deputy President William Ruto, address residents of Kitengela during his tour of Kajiado county on July 23, 2022. [Peterson Githaiga, Stanadard]

Deputy President William Ruto has asked security officials to exercise professionalism as the country heads to the General Election next month.

Dr Ruto appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta not to allow politicians to use the police to manipulate the outcome of the election. 

The DP, who yesterday toured Kajiado and Narok counties, said the police should remain independent before, during and after the polls.

He claimed some senior government officers plan to use the police to intimidate Kenya Kwanza supporters.

“Mr President, we know you are the chairman of Azimio la Umoja and Raila Odinga is your project. We request you not to allow police officers to be used by your people to intimidate Kenya Kwanza leaders and supporters on election day. We want a level ground,” said Ruto.

Ruto, at the same time, promised to revive the Kenya economy if elected the fifth president. 

The DP, who was accompanied by his running mate Rigathi Gachagwa and other Kenya Kwanza leaders, said he will improve the quality of life for ordinary Kenyans by making businesses and the economy thrive under the bottom-up model.

He challenged Raila to be ready to concede defeat in the event he (the Azimio leader) loses on August 9.

“We will defeat Raila Odinga and if we do, he should concede defeat. We need peace during and after the election,” said Ruto

He said a large percentage of Kenyans run low-earning businesses and that Kenyans should not make the mistake of electing a government that’s largely pro-rich.

“Kenya faces an economic crisis. Until when did we buy a packet of maize flour at Sh200? If I am elected President, my priority will be supporting the low income groups, and my government has plans to set aside Sh50 billion for their empowerment,” said the DP.

ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi claimed Raila should have retired together with President Kenyatta.

‘’We don’t want have to have a president who will be manipulated through remote control. Raila is a project of Uhuru,” said Mudavadi. 

In Narok, Ruto revisited the land debate, saying that while thorny issues around Mau Forest had been settled, the matter on Kedong ranch needed to be reviewed.

“We are only left with fencing of the Mau Forest. We must conclude the Kedong ranch issue. Kedong has its owners. The 4,000 acres that was promised to the Maasai is little,” said Ruto. “We must conclusively handle the land issue in a manner that will ensure no one loses their land or have their property on the farm destroyed,” he added.

The Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate accused Azimio leaders of applying double stands on issues around land. “Some of the people who were vocal on the Mau Forest have gone silent about Kedong ranch. Why? Let them not beat around the bush,” said Ruto.

Gachagua urged the provincial administrators to keep off the campaigns, saying it does not fall under their job description.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula said voter turnout will determine who will carry the day.

Story by Peterson Githaiga, Kennedy Gachuhi and Godfrey Oundoh