Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has dared ODM leader Raila Odinga to face him in the 2022 presidential race if indeed he has assembled a strong political machine.
Speaking in Machakos on Sunday, June 17, William Ruto told his perceived formidable competitors including Raila Odinga that he is not afraid of anyone adding that he is too well organised for the presidential race.
“Let them do whatever they want to do because they have all the powers, but I want to let them know that I am not afraid either; I am very ready for this battle too,” Ruto said a day after Raila warned him to expect a political Tsunami in 2022.
Ruto, who has declared his interest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, further said the power to elect or reject political leaders rests with the electorate.
Raila has not declared his interest to vie in the 2022 presidential election but Ruto has made it clear he will be on the ballot and even said the former Prime Minister is the only strong challenger he can face.
Last weekend, Raila Odinga, who was speaking during the funeral of his cousin, Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, told his William Ruto to expect a political Tsunami in 2022 as he is part of those putting together heavy political machinery.
“The machine we are building is a powerful one; some people(William Ruto) are thumping their chest but are not aware of what is awaiting them ahead. There is a strong wind that is currently building up that will soon transform into a Tsunami,” Raila Odinga said without mentioning names in an apparent reference to William Ruto.
Pundits claim that President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have orchestrated several schemes to block William Ruto’s quest of ascending to power in the 2022 General Election.
As part of the ploy, Uhuru and Raila are working on a pre-election coalition that will see Jubilee and ODM party field one presidential candidate in the August 2022 presidential race.
However, Ruto said the planned Jubilee-ODM merger was the most tragic thing to ever happen to a paty he and other spent so much time, energy and resources to put together.
“How do you take a party with over 200 MPs, senators, and governors not mentioning MCAs then without an iota of consultation, without a single meeting, without any reference come up with such a decision (to merge with ODM),” Ruto said in an interview on a local TV stations
