Leaders have reacted differently to COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli’s sentiments that Deputy President William Ruto’s name won’t be on the ballot come 2022, with the insinuation that the Deputy President might be the target of assassination. After his remarks during the weekend, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot wondered if Atwoli might have more hidden intentions, “We want you Atwoli to tell us, by saying that Ruto won’t be vying in 2022, do you want to kill him or what do you want to do to him to ensure he doesn’t vie?”
On Monday, MPs led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi dismissed the allegations, saying a leader of Atwoli’s stature shouldn’t be linked to murder. He said the DCI should start investigations into the statement to establish the reason behind it and those spreading that information should record statements.
He said Atwoli’s statement doesn’t insinuate the Deputy President will be targeted, “He simply said that the name of William Ruto will not be on the ballot. How do we equate the absence on the ballot to your death.” He said one can even campaign for years and expect to vie for the Presidency but still the IEBC might block that.
He faulted the Deputy President’s allies for persistent campaigning, saying in some nations the political atmosphere isn’t felt, but in Kenya the situation is different, “Here in this country you may think we have an election tomorrow….we need to stop this outfit before it brings this country down,” he said.