West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has called on politicians in the Country to exercise political tolerance ahead of the August 9 election.
The County boss in particular castigated Deputy President William Ruto over insults and use of abusive language.
Prof. Lonyangapuo who is defending his seat on the Kenya Union Party (KUP) asked the Kenya Kwanza Presidential candidate to ask for forgiveness from the Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa over his recent remarks while in Trans-Nzoia County.
“Some people have started talking carelessly. I can’t imagine someone like DP Ruto to talk carelessly like that. We can compete politically but let’s not abuse others,” he said.
The KUP leader who took his campaigns to Sigor area on Thursday cautioned leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party over their utterances that might spark violence.
“We took an oath with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the security team that we shall maintain peace this electioneering period,’ he said.
He noted that politicians should conduct peaceful campaigns.
“They should mind their utterances. I cannot imagine an upright man, honest and distinguished leader to speak that way,” he said.
He pointed out that the Kenya Kwanza team has sensed defeat that is why they have become bitter and angry.
Prof. Lonyangapuo also cautioned politicians in the County over engaging in parallel campaigns rallies.
Governor Lonyangapuo who defended the Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati said that Kenyans have faith in him.
“The Commission is now fully constituted and we have hoped that it will perform better. There were only two commissioners and they did a good job. We should not worry and let’s trust them,” he said.
He said that the IEBC chairman has given out the time table for candidates.
‘‘Let’s give the commission time to do its work. Let them do their work as we do ours as politicians,” he said.
He also raised concern over the hard economic times in the Country.
“Covid 19 and hunger have disturbed us badly,” he said.
He lauded residents in the area for maintaining peace with the neighboring counties of Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet.