Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has accused ODM leader Raila Odinga of hiring youths to stone his political rally and cause violence.
William Ruto’s rally at Jacaranda ground on Sunday, January 16, was temporarily disrupted by rowdy youths who were seen throwing items to the crowd.
Riot police officers were swiftly deployed to where they were forced to fire tear gas in order to disperse the rowdy youths.
Speaking after the men in uniform had restored order, the deputy president said that the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sponsored the youths to stone him.
The former Eldoret North Member of Parliament blamed president Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner for having a penchant for planning heckling and stoning of his political meetings especially in areas that he enjoys massive support.
“Shame on you Bwana Kitendawili for hiring youths to come and stone us here. You won’t intimidate us. You planned violence in Kondele, you have come here again in Embakasi to mobilize youths to stone us. We will not allow you to instill fear in the people of Kenya by using violence,” William Ruto said referring to Raila Odinga as Bwana Kitendawili.
The former Agriculture Minister further warned the presidential hopeful against misusing youths as the electioneering period gains momentum ahead of 2022 General Election.
Ruto who has expressed his interest to succeed retiring President Uhuru Kenyatta however said he will ensure the youths who pelted stones at his rally are given a meaningful source of income should he win the presidential race.
“I want to tell you Raila, these youths you are misusing to stone people will only be available for six months from now, they will be sorted with better things to do that will change their lives for the better,” he said.
