Kenya Kwanza Presidential Candidate Deputy President William Ruto has said all hands should be kept off the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Making his final appeal at his official residence in Karen before the mega rally at the Nyayo Stadium, Ruto said they demand that all the attempts to twist elections be stopped so that Kenya Kwanza can embark on its plans.
“We ask Kenyans to ignore blackmail, lies, fears, Vote for mabadiliko ya Uchumi. We are committed to a peaceful elections and we will not contradict our vow to bring peace. We urge every Kenyan to vote peaceful and wait for results peacefully,” he said.
On economic, Ruto promised that if elected, he will address the unemployment crisis and rising food costs, among other issues.
“We have agreed from day one in office our work will be to tackle the punitive cost of living, so that each and every one of us can afford to go about their lives,” he said.
“The high cost of basic commodities such as food and fuel should never be this hard; life has never been this bad in our country. Kenyans are unable to put food on their table, they are unable to pay school fees,” he added.
According to Ruto, Kenyans are victims of an economic management system gone rogue.
The DP further stated that his government will tackle corruption and state capture once elected.
“We have agreed to tackle runaway corruption including state capture, budgeted corruption and financial wastage,” Ruto said.
He said he is ready for the elections, regardless of which register will be used – manual or electronic.
“We are ready for these elections with whichever register,” the DP said.
Previous elections have been tainted by violence and continue to cast a pall over the country, where 22.1 million voters will choose the next president, as well as senators, governors, legislators, women representatives, and approximately 1,500 county authorities.
Negative campaigning, tactic charges of manipulation, and a goodie spree for supporters who have been showered with umbrellas, groceries, and cash for attending rallies have dominated the campaign for votes.
Elections Act bars anyone from engaging in vote-hunting two days before the polls.
Odinga expects to hold a major rally at Kasarani Stadium after securing a permit for the venue.