Ruto warns Raila on demonstrations ahead of Kamukunji rally
President William Ruto has warned Azimio la Umoja’s party leader Raila Odinga against leading demonstrations in the country.
Speaking at a church thanksgiving in Kirinyaga county on January 22, 2023, the Head of State told Mr Odinga the era of demonstrations in the country had come to an end, and there will be no more of it.
President Ruto added he was keen to unite the country and would not accept a f’ew people meeting at a corner and planning demonstrations’ as Kenyans work hard to ensure the country moves forward.
“Please be content with whatever you got during the handshake (political alliance with President Kenyatta),” said President Ruto.
“We cannot be taking care of the needs of five to ten people every election cycle. Kenya will develop despite your demonstrations. I want to assure Kenyans this country will never again be hostage to a few people chasing personal and selfish interests at the expense of millions of Kenyans.”
In a statement on Saturday, Odinga through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango announced the Azimio leader will host a rally at Kamukunji grounds moments after his arrival in the country from South Africa.
The statement urged Mr Odinga’s supporters to turn up in large numbers for the rally coming days after a face-less whistleblower reportedly claimed the August 2022 polls was rigged in favour of President Ruto.
“Upon arrival, Mr Odinga will proceed to the Kamukunji grounds in Kamukunji Constituency for a People’s Baraza consultations with the public where they will discuss recent disclosures by a whistleblower on the conduct of the 2022 general election,” he stated.
“Mr Odinga appeals to Kenyans to show up in large numbers at the Kamukunji Baraza, in the interest of the country.”
According to the whistleblower who reportedly works at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Odinga won the recent polls by 8,170,355 votes (57.53%) against President Ruto’s 5,915,973 (41.66%).
However, according to the results announced by the former IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati, President Ruto scooped 7,176,141 votes an equivalent of 50.49 per cent ahead of his main challenger Odinga who garnered about 6,942,930 votes (48.85 per cent).
Also read: Martha Karua: Open the IEBC servers, Kenyan want the truth