Was the new found friendship between Raila Odinga and DP Ruto only meant for the cameras?
The President and ODM Chief Raila Odinga might be aiming at finally uniting the Country by finding a way to end electoral animosity every five years but the DP William Ruto seem to be dancing to a completely different tune.
DP Ruto has now claimed that there will be no room in government for loosers in last year’s General Elections.
This veiled attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga comes barely four days after the two leaders and President Kenyatta promised to unite the country during a tour of Kisumu.
Mr Ruto was speaking at Iguhu in Ikolomani Constituency after laying the foundation stone for a planned medical training college.
At Ikolomani, Mr Ruto did not mention names, but he appeared to be referring to the calls for a referendum to have the Constitution amended to expand the executive.
“We have agreed to unite us leaders from the government and opposition to push the development agenda forward by improving roads infrastructure and ensuring more homes are connected to electricity. The issue of who won the election in 2017 is a closed chapter,” Mr Ruto said.
He said political competition should not be about politicians retreating to their ethnic enclaves after losing elections.
“Kenya is a democracy and those who lose in elections should not fan ethnic animosity by failing to concede defeat. We need to have political parties that have a national outlook and do away with ethnic-based parties if we are to build a strong united country,” Mr Ruto said.
He was accompanied by several MPs from western, who appealed to the Luhya community not to gamble by supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said the DP had done a lot for the community and they should back his presidential bid.
“Our own sons, including former Vice-President Moody Awori and Musalia Mudavadi served in the same position as the DP, but did not use their influence to initiate any meaningful development in the region. We will not be fooled this time around to back Mr Odinga,” Dr Khalwale said.
Is the DP trying to ignite political flames heading into 2022?