Uhuru dares Raila to withdraw from presidential race

President Uhuru Kenyatta has dared opposition leader, Raila Odinga, to withdraw his candidature if he is not ready to participate in the repeat presidential election slated for October 26.

Speaking during a meeting with a section of political leaders drawn from Coast Region at Serani Grounds in Mombasa County, the Head of State said that Kenyans have become disillusioned by the prolonged political period and castigated the NASA leader for what he termed as “holding the country back.”

“Kenyans are tired and want to move forward. If you do not want elections, step aside so that the country can move forward,” President Kenyatta said.

The Jubilee Party presidential candidate, however, exuded confidence that he will win when the country holds the repeat presidential election on October 26.

“We know that we won the August 8 election fairly and that is why we are ready for the October 26 election,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta was flanked by former Wiper Secretary General Hassan Omar and former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu who decamped from NASA to the ruling Jubilee Party on October 8 and October 9 respectively.

Deputy President William Ruto said that Jubilee Party will continue receiving defectors despite criticism from NASA leader Raila Odinga.

“Jubilee will continue to engage and accommodate everyone as we drive our agenda of uniting the people and moving forward as one,” DP Ruto said.

Former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu announced his support for President Kenyatta’s re-election saying the Coastal Region stands to benefit by working with the government.

“I have come here to announce that I will vote for the President and seek more support for the Head of State for so long our politics was guided by feelings. We have assessed the situation and it is in the best interests of the Coastal region to support President Kenyatta,” Mruttu said.

The meeting was also attended by Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha and Tana River Governor Hussein Dado.