Home » Ruto challenges Raila to apologise over past violence in ODM zones

Ruto challenges Raila to apologise over past violence in ODM zones

by Amos Khaemba

Deputy President William Ruto has urged Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga to apologise for past violence in ODM strongholds.

Speaking in Kericho on Monday, January 10, 2022, Ruto called upon Raila to stop balkanizing ODM zones, making it difficult for other aspirants to campaign there.

Ruto said this after he had apologised about senator Linturi’s hate speech remarks which have been condemned in many quarters as being insensitive.  

“Kisumu belongs to everyone. In this country, we should not be stoned and the gentleman (Raila Odinga) is just quiet,” Ruto said as the crowd cheered.

“Let him talk to us about Kibra and Kondele and the violence that he (Raila Odinga) organizes. We want to get rid of political intolerance in this country,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President was speaking in response to Raila Odinga’s criticism of Mithika Linturi’s Eldoret statement which was interpreted to mean locals should flush out anyone opposed to William Ruto.

While in Kericho, William Ruto urged politicians to shun political violence against opponents and instead they should engage in mature, agenda-based politics.

He also challenged the ODM leader to promise Kenyans that he will not sponsor violence if he losses the August 2022 General Election, saying it’s the only way of having a peaceful Kenya after the election.

Ruto’s motorcade was stoned last year in Kondele, Kisumu County in November 2021 in what police said was caused by disagreement in the distribution of campaign funds.

Speaking in Kericho, Garissa MP Aden Duale also cautioned UDA-affiliated leaders against sponsoring violence saying UDA is a party of peace.

“We are a party that believes in the rule of law, that believes in the coexistence of people of Kenya, in the unity of our country…. we shall win this election and we don’t want to bring problem in Kenya,” Duale said.

“You the parties that are involved in violence, we know the owners of violence, we know the leaders of violence,” added Duale.

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