President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo/PSCU]
President Uhuru Kenyatta today welcomed opposition leader Raila Odinga’s reported plan to withdraw from the October 26 election.
The President said Kenyans want the issue of elections done with once for all and if Raila is not ready to participate in the poll, he should withdraw as soon as possible.
The President criticized the opposition leader for waiting for so long if his only plan for the fresh presidential election was to withdraw at the last minute.
“Kenyans are tired and want to move forward. If you do not want elections, step aside so that the country can move forward,” said the President.
The President said Raila has been looking for excuses to withdraw from the poll. He criticised him for waiting until more than Sh12 billion has been spent to organise the election before reaching the reported decision to withdraw.
President Kenyatta said he is ready for the election because he is sure that Kenyans will rally behind him as they did in the August 8 election that was nullified by the Supreme Court.
“We know that we won the August 8 election fairly and that is why we are ready for the October 26election,” said the President when he addressed more than 15,000 leaders from the coastal counties who gathered at Serani Grounds, Mombasa.
The President spoke after former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu announced his decision to back his re-election and said the Coast region stands a better chance of realising more benefits under the Jubilee Government.
“We are filling the Jubilee box. Many Kenyans know that the election of August 8 was free and fair. Now we are ready for the repeat election and we are sure we will win with a bigger margin,” said the President.
The President said he will continue campaigning on the platform of development and plans for a better future for all Kenyans.
Deputy President William Ruto said the coast region has, in the last four years, seen more development than never done before.
He said the Jubilee Government has built many roads in the region, bought new ferries and built the standard gauge railway. He also pointed out why Jubilee scored victories in 44 of 47 counties because of its development track record.
“Four years ago, we decided to change the politics of this country and come up with a national party that brings together all Kenyans. Today we are saying goodbye to the politics of tribalism,” said the DP.