Deputy President William Ruto has warned leaders against undermining Constitutional bodies including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) charged with the responsibility of managing elections.
Addressing the African Inland Church (AIC) faithful during the installation of Bishop David Kaseton and assistant Bishop Philip Loyareng to head the West Pokot region, held in Kapenguria town on Sunday, Ruto said political parties and leaders should support Constitutional bodies mandated to manage elections instead of undermining their credibility.
“The law gives IEBC powers to be in charge of elections so that Kenyans can have a free hand to elect leaders of their choice,” said Mr Ruto.
“Violence is not any tool in any place especially in democratic nations. Nobody should give conditions to Kenyans that unless this and that happens, there will be this or that.
He said leaders and political parties should provide support to IEBC so that it manages the country’s elections properly.
“It is equally our responsibility as political parties and political leaders to support IEBC so that deliver credible elections and allow Kenyans to elect leaders of their choice,” said Mr Ruto.
He said all leaders irrespective of their political affiliations must commit themselves to ensuring next year’s General Elections are peaceful and credible.
Ruto said President Uhuru Kenyatta has demonstrated the commitment by Jubilee leaders to engage in peaceful activities ahead of the 2017 elections, and asked the Opposition to follow suit.
He said it is the responsibility of all leaders and Kenyans in general to ensure free, fair and credible elections, adding that peace must be protected at all times.
“We need to be categorical and unequivocal on the issue of having free fair and peaceful election. It is our Individual or collective responsibility as Kenyans to demand that leaders commit themselves to peaceful elections and engage in non violent activities,” said Mr Ruto.
“It is the responsibility for all of us to ensure we protect peace in our country. Elections must be peaceful unconditionally. Whether individually or collectively, we should protect peace,” he added.
By DPPS.