US Promise to Ruto on Poll Rigging Fears

Deputy President William Ruto addressing bishops at Loyola University in Maryland on Wednesday March 2, 2022
Deputy President William Ruto addressing bishops at Loyola University in Maryland on Wednesday, March 2, 2022
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The US government has moved to dispel election fears raised by Deputy President William Ruto through a meeting held on Thursday, March 3.

US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Molly Phee, assured Ruto that the US government would support a credible and independent poll process on August 9, 2022

Phee also reiterated US determination to foster democracy in the country ahead of the elections.

Deputy President William Ruto with US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Molly Phee during their meeting on Thursday March 3, 2022
Deputy President William Ruto with US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Molly Phee during their meeting on Thursday, March 3, 2022
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"The US government has assured that Kenya can count on its voice in safeguarding democracy and advocating a free and fair election in August 2022. US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Molly Phee made the assurance today as she hosted Deputy President William Ruto at the State Department in Washington DC," a press release from Ruto's campaign secretariat read in part.

This follows his request to President Joe Biden's administration to support Kenya in pushing for credible polls and avert fears of manipulation and rigging.

"Deputy President urged the US and Kenya's other traditional friends to sustain their longstanding support to Kenya's democratisation and the conduct of a free, and credible election," a statement by former Citizen TV presenter Hussein Mohamed stated.

Ruto had raised concerns that the elections may be manipulated. He further described the political atmosphere as volatile filled with threats and intimidation.

"The biggest issue that is on the ballot is democracy of our nation and whether we truly have the opportunity to make free choices devoid of blackmail, threats, and intimidation. That's the matter that is on the ballot," Ruto stated while addressing bishops and other leaders at the Karson Institute in Loyola University 

He added, "We want to make our choices without being choreographed, chaperoned, blackmailed, or intimidated."

The former Eldoret North MP made sentiments accompanied by his Kenya Kwanza counterpart Musalia Mudavadi, Governor Anne Waiguru, Garissa MP Aden Duale, and former CAS Ababu Namwamba.

His fears on election manipulation, however, differ with the stand taken by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) led by Wafula Chebukati who assured Kenyans of credible polls results.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga has also responded to his allegations ruling out any schemes to manipulate elections.

“The call on US leaders by Ruto is curious. At what point did he change? He has on several occasions said his votes can never be stolen. Either he is preparing to reject the outcome of the polls or he has sensed defeat and is just whipping up emotions,” ODM chairman John Mbadi stated.

The second in command is expected to visit the White House for a meeting at the National Security Council before winding up his US tour.

Deputy President William Ruto meeting bishops at Loyola University in Maryland on Wednesday March 2, 2022
Deputy President William Ruto meeting bishops at Loyola University in Maryland on Wednesday, March 2, 2022
DPPS
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