ODM leader Raila Odinga has been confirmed as the NASA presidential candidate for August's election. [Photo: azaniapost.com]
Bomet Governor and NASA co-principal Isaac Ruto has warned Luo leaders against engaging in unnecessary political squabbles ahead of August general elections.
Ruto said the chaos rocking ODM nominations exercise in Nyanza region will scuttle Opposition leader Raila Odinga's presidential ambitions.
“We must stop this cycle of violence and the belief that every difference must be sorted with violence,” he said during an interview with a local vernacular radio station on Friday.
Citing the recent killing of Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo’s bodyguard and torching of her house, Ruto challenged political leaders to change their tack in conflict resolution and avoid sporadic violence, saying it will be an impediment to Raila's State House bid.
He noted that he was surprised to hear some voters from former Prime Minister's backyard threatening not to vote in the August polls because aspirants of their choice did not win the nominations.
“For Raila to win, you have to come out and vote for NASA in August. Wacheni kelele mingi (stop the threats),” the Chama Cha Mashinani leader said.
The Opposition alliance unveiled the ODM party leader as its presidential flagbearer deputised by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, on Thursday.
Other leaders in the coalition include Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula.