Raila, Ruto camp in Malindi ahead of Monday by-election

CORD leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday held separate rallies in Malindi to drum up support for their respective candidates ahead of Monday’s parliamentary by-election.

Odinga traversed the Coastal town calling on CORD supporters to turn up in large numbers and vote for ODM candidate William Baraka Mtengo and reclaim the seat that fell vacant upon the appointment of party member Dan Kazungu into Jubilee government as Mining Cabinet Secretary.

In his campaign speech, Odinga accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of airing the country’s dirty linen in public by labeling Kenyans as “skilled thieves” in one of his addresses in Israel last week.

He refuted the allegation that Kenyans are “experts at stealing” saying the real thieves are in the Jubilee government.

Odinga also hit out at DP Ruto for his apparent advocacy for solutions to long standing land issues at the coast accusing him of being a perpetrator of the same.

The ODM party leader said if he wins the presidency in the 2017 elections, he would form an all-inclusive government, similar to the one led by Tanzania’s President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, devoid of corruption and tribalism.

Ruto’s call to Jubilee supporters

Addressing rallies in the area, DP Ruto challenged Malindi residents to vote for Jubilee candidate Phillip Charo in the March 7th by-election to ensure they enjoy the benefits of the government.

The Deputy President asked voters to exercise their democratic rights wisely by electing the Jubilee candidate terming him as a credible leader who is capable of addressing their interests.

He further accused CORD of propagating political rhetoric saying they do not have anything to offer Kenyans.

“It is obvious that the Opposition has no strategy to develop this country. I urge you to shift gears if you are keen on uplifting your socio-economic standards,” said Mr. Ruto.

“Jubilee is ready to serve all Kenyans without discrimination as demonstrated by the appointment of Dan Kazungu to the Cabinet irrespective of his political affiliation.”

The deputy president was accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, MPs Gideon Mungaro (Kilifi North), Mustafa Iddi (Kilifi South), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Ibrahim Sane (Garsen), Peter Shehe ( Ganze), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete), and Emma Mbura (nominated).

@benjaminwafula