Deputy President William Ruto has assured his supporters that the August 2022 General Election will be free and fair, days after making rigging claims in the US.
The DP, who is on a political tour in the UK, was speaking during an engagement with Kenyans living in the diaspora in London. Appearing to recant his earlier remarks, the DP noted that he has full confidence in the election process.
“Let me give you my word, this vote will not be stolen. And if you look at me properly, I am not the type of person anybody can steal votes from,” said the DP before breaking into laughter to the crowd’s applause.
Ruto attributed his confidence to a series of wins, in Msambweni, Juja and Kiambaa where aspirants under the UDA ticket triumphed during hotly contested by-elections. This, according to DP Ruto, demonstrates the impossibility of election manipulating an election, just months to the August polls.
“The only thing the handshake team can do is maybe to cause violence. However, even on that, we shall not allow it to happen,” said DP Ruto.
He further challenged Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, to publicly announce that he will accept defeat should he lose the election.
The DP also slammed his opponents for criticising his international tour after Odinga's side claimed that Ruto was painting a bad image for the country in his tour in America and UK.
Ruto arrived in London on Sunday, March 6, shortly after completing his political tour in the United States.
Accompanying him are various Governors and Senators including Gov Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Gov. Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Gov Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Sen Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Sen Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet).
Ruto’s critics previously attacked him noting that his tours abroad depict an image of dystopic country in which anarchy and graft thrive.
ODM Chairman and National Assembly Minority Leader, John Mbadi, earlier asked the DP to “stop whining” and come to terms with the shifting political tides.
“DP is setting the stage to dispute the outcome of the Presidential elections slated for August 9,” Mbadi slammed Ruto.
The DP is set to be hosted at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Chatham House for a session on opportunities and outlook for change ahead of the forthcoming general election.
