Deputy President William Ruto has expressed deep regret over the violence that was meted out on his political rival Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja coalition in Uasin Gishu County on Friday.
The DP noted that the stoning and resultant damage to Raila’s chopper and his motorcade is regrettable and that those behind it ought to be punished for their criminal actions.
“I take this opportunity to apologize to the Hon. Raila Odinga for what happened to him. It was really unfortunate. I hope those who engaged in this exercise regret what they did,” Ruto said.
The Deputy President promised to extend all the necessary support to authorities to apprehend the masterminds and those who carried out the criminal act.
“We will roll out party structures to work with security agencies so that we can get to the root of this act,” he said.
Given that the attack happened in an area considered his political stronghold, Ruto promised to take “necessary steps to ensure that all our members, all our candidates, and the entire party engage in this election on the basis of ideas.”
The former PM has already pointed an accusing finger at DP allies, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Soy MP Caleb Kositany over the incident. He said he holds the two responsible for what happened to him after attending the burial of renowned farmer and Businessman the late Jackson Kibor.
Ruto and Raila are the two leading Presidential candidates in this year’s general elections and are expected to battle it out in August for the right to occupy the statehouse.
