Ruto: I Won’t Have a Handshake with Raila If I Become President

Deputy President William Ruto says he will not have a handshake with his main competitor Raila Odinga if he trounces him in the August 9th presidential contest.

Ruto, who is eyeing the presidency on a UDA party ticket, claimed that Odinga has a habit of forcing his way into government, citing his March 9th, 2018 handshake with President Kenyatta.

“I have told him that there is no uprooting of railway lines this time. There will be no swearing himself in as president. We will ensure he goes to Bondo if he disturbs the peace,” Ruto said during a campaign tour of Turkana County.

 “You threatened people in 2017 and thought there would be no elections. After you boycotted the election, you blackmailed your way into the handshake government. That was the end of the blackmail, threats and games you have played.”

The deputy president said the recent threat by the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition party presidential flagbearer to boycott the upcoming elections if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) does not use the manual voter register is part of a scheme to force his way into the next government.

“If he has realized that he has no numbers and the deep state is not helping him, let him desist from threats. Kenyans will elect their leaders next month, whether he likes or not. I will not let him issue threats or ultimatums because Kenya belongs to us all. I assure Kenyans that we will have a peaceful election,” Ruto added.

Ruto further vowed that if he ascends to power, he will deal with Odinga, 77, to ensure he does not hold demonstrations across the country.