DP Ruto's vote numbers under threat, UDA says in letter to Chebukati

Deputy President William Ruto during an interview on KTN News on July 7, 2022. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has written to the chairperson of the IEBC Wafula Chebukati alleging a plot by the government to suppress voter turnout in Deputy President William Ruto's Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya strongholds.

In a letter written by UDA's national chief agent Kithure Kindiki, who is the Senator of Tharaka Nithi County, the party said the State has been using chiefs, bribing voters and engaging in smear media campaigns to clip Ruto's vote potential in areas perceived to be his strongholds.

"The State is threatening and blackmailing chiefs and county commissioners with the loss of their jobs if they do not become operatives for Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party," alleged Kindiki.

The senator also cited the recently manipulated video of Ruto speaking at Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County, and shared by Mombasa Governor Ali Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, as part of efforts to discredit Ruto's character.

"Two radio stations (names withheld) are spreading inciting propaganda on their vernacular programmes. Their narratives are focused on violence and conflict and must cease and desist," said Kindiki.

The lawmaker alleged that national identification cards of voters in Ruto's strongholds are being bought in large numbers by the State to make it impossible for them to cast their ballot on August 9.

Kindiki, who did not provide tangible proof of the allegations, copied the letter to heads of diplomatic mission, the director of public prosecutions, chairperson of the Public Service Commission and heads of local and international elections observer groups.

Earlier Friday, August 5, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i denied allegations that the government was using chiefs and other local administrators to drum up support for Raila Odinga.

The CS asked the people in Ruto's team, who have proof of the allegations, to file reports with the police.

Ruto's perceived strongholds of Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya regions have 5.3 million and 4.7 million votes respectively as per IEBC register.