Deputy President William Ruto has reacted to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's withdrawal from the Wajir West by-election.

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Ruto says Mohamed Yusuf’s (ODM candidate) decision to withdraw his candidature from the mini-poll is a bold move that defines him as a selfless leader.

“He (Yusuf) has subordinated personal interest to that of his people to defeat divisive politics and champion unity, development and bettering the lives of Wajir residents,” the DP who hosted the ODM candidate and other Wajir leaders to a luncheon at his Karen home on Tuesday said. 

The DP said the withdrawal of professor Yusuf should not be seen as a move to back Jubilee Party candidate but a bold step to develop Wajir.

The Orange party’s withdrawal from the race comes days after suffering humbling defeat in the Ugenya and Embakasi South by-elections.

Raila Odinga’s party withdrew its candidature in the by-election set for April 25.

In a statement by the party’s Director of Elections Junet Mohamed, the party said it withdrew after a consultative meeting with top Jubilee leadership.

The party also said its decision is reciprocating Jubilee’s move not to field candidates in the recently concluded Ugenya and Embakasi South by-elections.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared five candidates to battle for the seat that was left vacant after the Supreme Court nullified Ahmed Kolosh election.

Kolosh who is contesting on Jubilee ticket is expected to have an easy run in the by-election following ODM's withdrawal.