Raila upbeat he will defeat Ruto, promises to concede if DP triumphs

Azimio la Umoja coalition Presidential aspirant Raila Odinga is confident a majority of Kenyans will support his candidature and vote for him to become the country’s fifth President.

Contrary to sentiment around his candidature and accusations that the state was keen to use all means to catapult him to Statehouse, the ODM leader says the decision on who will occupy the country’s highest office will be made by none other than Kenyans.

And even though he is confident of his chances of beating his archrival Deputy President William Ruto, Odinga has promised to abide by the August poll outcome.

“Let Kenyans decide. If Kenyans reject us, we will accept it. If we are defeated, we’ll concede defeat. But if we defeat you (Ruto), and I am sure we will, please accept and go home.” He told the DP

Raila, who was in West Pokot County, a day after he was attacked by rowdy youth in Uasin Gishu County, said the deputy president must commit to a non-violent electoral process, citing intolerance directed at him at Ruto’s political strongholds. He asked the locals to embrace him and support his bid.  Here, he took the time to narrate his ordeal in Uasin Gishu.

“I was taken aback by the incident. I just went to Uasin Gishu for a funeral. I was shocked to see youth stoning my motorcade. I went to the helicopter, and they followed me and my team. Before long, they pelted my chopper with stones. They were aiming at me. And there was no way I was going to evade them from where I was seated. They really wanted to kill us. But God is alive. Why would anyone want to kill Babe (Raila)? That is the work of the enemy.” He said as he gave an account of Friday’s attack on his motorcade.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who was in the company of Raila for the first time on campaign trail after he endorsed the former PM, said their opponents were sensing defeat and that they had resorted to violence as a result.

“They are afraid and that is why they have resorted to violence. We will defeat them. May the law take its course. When I am with Raila, we will not be defeated.” Said Kalonzo

This is my first campaign with Raila. I came here today so you can see me alongside Raila. President Uhuru Kenyatta is retiring and he will leave Kenya in the hands of Raila Odinga. I will be somewhere in that government.” He said

A buoyant Raila acknowledged Kalonzo’s presence after widespread speculations as to why the Wiper leader was yet to hit the campaign trail to mobilize votes for Raila. He said “I am here today with my brother Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. He has joined me and we will work together.”

Even though he says he will prioritize the transformation of the country’s economy, the Azimio flag bearer says he is first and foremost keen to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.

“Without peace, there would be no development. Pokot, Marakwet, Tugen and Turkana. No one chose to be born from any of those tribes.  I really want to see peace return here. That will be my priority when I become President. From then on we can fight poverty, disease, and illiteracy to achieve development.” He said

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