Deputy President William Ruto says that he would only shake hands with the Azimio La Umoja flagbearer, Raila Odinga, to show that the two are civilised leaders.
Ruto responded to Raila's pledge to reach out to all presidential candidates to unite the nation after the August 9 polls, irrespective of the winner.
In his speech at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, August 9, the DP further urged the former Prime Minister to accept defeat in the event he loses the presidential election.
"I will call my brother Raila for tea but I will not repeat what happened five years ago. Combining opposition and the government to create something unknown that did not benefit the nation," Ruto stated in reference to the March 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.
He maintained that the gentleman's agreement between the two leaders derailed the Big 4 Agenda and other development projects.
Ruto also blamed the two for the increasing cost of living claiming that inviting opposition into the government necessitated graft and state capture.
He pinpointed the KEMSA scandal and called upon the President to ensure the culprits are apprehended and arraigned in court.
While selling the Kenya Kwanza agenda, Ruto told the cheering crowd that his team has a plan focused on the country's development.
His government, he pledged, will set aside funds for healthcare, development and youth employment.
"When you go to the ballot on Tuesday, you will be choosing between a team with many plans for the country and a team with many stories from the past," Ruto noted.
"I wish you (Uhuru) well as you proceed to retirement. I am very confident that you know my capacity, you have nothing to fear as the country will move forward. I will respect the foundation we built and improve on it. It will be phenomenal," he also addressed Uhuru.
Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi also urged Raila to only initiate the handshake in acceptance of Ruto's victory (if the DP wins the General Election).
