Ruto, Allies Take on Raila Over Kasarani Declaration

Raila Odinga During the Azimio La Umoja Event at Kasarani on Friday December 10, 2021
Raila Odinga During the Azimio La Umoja Event at Kasarani on Friday December 10, 2021
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Deputy President William Ruto and his supporters have taken a swipe at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, following his major declaration to take a fifth stab at the Presidency during the Azimio La Umoja National Convention on Friday, December 10.

Raila, during the event that attracted thousands of followers, announced a new political outfit, Azimio La Umoja Movement which he made clear will spearhead his 10 point agenda.

But the DP and his allies have decided to break their silence on the events that unfolded during the convention, taking a swipe at the African Union High Representative of Infrastructure and Development.

DP William Ruto addresses Othaya, Nyeri residents on Saturday, December 4, 2021
DP William Ruto addresses Othaya, Nyeri residents on Saturday, December 4, 2021
DPPS

In a direct message to the former Prime Minister, Ruto stated that the new movement is aimed at dividing Kenyans along tribal lines.

"You cannot talk about the unity of a nation when you are actively dividing the country along ethnic lines. It’s a contradiction; it’s deceitful for anybody to tell us this is the way to unite Kenyans,” Ruto stated.

“As UDA, we believe we have a national political party that brings communities together. We challenge our competitors to be honest to the people, you cannot preach water and drink wine,” he added. 

The same sentiments were also shared by some of his close allies. Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, dragged President Uhuru Kenyatta in the whole debacle arguing that the event was meant to sideline Ruto just like during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) function at the Bomas of Kenya.

However, he noted that the whole plan flopped as One Kenya Alliance did not bow to pressure to grace the event thus rendering Raila lonely.

"In President Kenyatta’s scheme of things Azimio La Raila just like its predecessor Handshake/BBI was supposed to include everybody and isolate the DP. Unfortunately, it ended up excluding everybody and isolating Raila Odinga," Murkomen stated.

Nominated Senator, Millicent Omanga, also took a swipe at the ODM leader. She argued that the huge crowd pulled during Azimio La Umoja does not have a direct correlation with the number of votes Raila will garner in the presidential election.

"At the end of the day, the hype and braggadocio is over. Back to citizens. Don't be wowed by the presentation, pomp, and colour. The elephant in the room is, in whose hands are you safe? We all know the answer," Omanga stated.

Economist David Ndii, who is also part of Ruto's strategic team, noted that Raila did not present anything worthy to the electorates other than just his personality.

"Azimio is Raila and Raila is Azimio.  Raila is the national agenda, the national agenda is Raila. Raila is the candidate, the party, the manifesto. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you His Earthquakeness, His Enigmaness, His Tinganess The Aguambo," Ndii mocked Raila.

During the event, Raila announced his candidature, a move that was welcomed by his supporters. Some of his plans in the 10-point agenda include the Inua Jamii, Pesa Mfukoni.

He was backed up by top figures including Cabinet Secretaries and other influential figures.

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Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen addresses residents at Keben Secondary School in Kericho County on Friday, October 15, 2021
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