Deputy President William Ruto has said that Nasa leader Raila Odinga's withdrawal from October 26 repeat presidential election could be a 2022 strategy.Speaking to Foreign Correspondents Association of East Africa members in his residence in Nairobi, Ruto said that Raila is planning to run for president in 2022."Maybe this is a strategy for him to face me in 2022. We would love Raila to participate in the rerun, but we cannot force him. It is his choice," Ruto said.He said that 'the former Prime Minister bolted out of the fresh presidential polls after sensing he would be floored by his main challenger President Uhuru Kenyatta'.The Deputy President also rubbished calls for dialogue with the NASA leader saying fair competition should be left to take place."What does a political settlement mean? Does it mean there will be no competition? They want the international community to force Kenyans to negotiate in an unconstitutional manner," Ruto is quoted by the Star as saying .He said he was Raila’s ally during the 2007 General Election but later parted ways after a 'serious disagreement' arising from the 2007 election.CAPTION: Deputy President William Ruto addresses a campaign rally in Kericho on Tuesday. [Photo: The Star]

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