Roots party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah and his Agano counterpart David Mwaure on Monday, July 11, threw light jibes at each other when they met during the IEBC National Election Conference..
The two leaders, who had traded thin veiled attacks in media briefings had a go at each other at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, with Wajackoyah warning Mwaure to respect his status as a man of cloth.
While declaring that he had instructed members of his campaign team not to speak ill of any of his competitors, he warned that he will not be the bigger person, promising to clap back when rattled.
"In my party, if you are making speeches out there, do not touch on Ruto, do not touch on my colleague and Mwaure - a good man. A man who wears a collar but please speak to your expectations; don't attack me again," he stated.
"If you attack me, I will attack you, I promise that. I will rebut as a lawyer but I will not be the first person to do what has been done," Wajackoyah chided.
On his part, Mwaure promised the Roots party leader a fight during the presidential debate and in the ballot. He further teased Wajackoyah, asking him to consider becoming a bishop since he was open to working with him if elected.
However, he called out the party leader over referring to a bishop as one who came from hell, asking him to retract the comment. The Agano candidate also challenged his learned friend on the legality of his proposals.
"I am praying that when we have won and to join my government you can also become a bishop. There is that little matter of a bishop you referred to as from hell, please deal with that.
"Finally, growing of bhang is illegal, you are a lawyer like me, let us remain people of processes. The truth of the matter is you can be a president, grow it one day and pay the Chinese or the fallen loan," he stated.
Speaking after Mwaure, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati joked that he deserved a pat on his back for managing politicians for 40 minutes.
Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga was represented by Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu who appealed to IEBC to ensure a free and credible election and welcomed the interests of the international community in the poll.
Standing in for her presidential candidate William Ruto, UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina called to the attention of Chebukati to use the same method to register voters (electronic) to identify them during the election date.
Notably, both front runners expressed confidence in IEBC to conduct a flawless election and affirmed their commitment to maintain peace before, during and after the general leection.
