Ruto: IEBC Personnel Arrests Part of a Plot to Rig Elections in Raila's Favor
Deputy President William Ruto has weighed in on the arrest and detention of IEBC personnel at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Kajiado on Saturday, Ruto claimed that the arrest of the three technology contractors was part of the government’s plot to rig the August 9th elections in favor of Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
“They arrested IEBC personnel to pile pressure on the commission to use a manual register during the August 9th elections. They are also compromising the technology that has been put in place to ensure vote protection,” said Ruto.
Ruto, who is eyeing the presidency on a UDA party ticket, said his main competitors have resorted to blackmailing and intimidating IEBC and its officials after sensing defeat.
“I’m urging the Azimio team to stop fighting the IEBC, stop fighting Chebukati, stop fighting people hired to help the IEBC roll out technology. You’re competing against us, and we are ready to battle it out with you. Leave the IEBC alone,” he said.
“The Azimio group is engaging in blackmail because they’ve realized they don’t have enough votes to win the presidential election. There’s no possibility of postponing the election, even by a date. The polls will be held on August 9th.”
While stating that the plot to rig the upcoming elections will fail, the deputy president exuded confidence that he will defeat Odinga, who he termed as a project of President Kenyatta.
“I’m urging the president, who is my friend, not to allow police officers to be used in oppressing the IEBC. As the president, you have the responsibility of ensuring that the elections are free and fair. Mr President, we’ll defeat your project (Raila),” added Ruto.
His remarks come after the IEBC protested the arrest of three employees of Smartmatic International B.V, the UK-based company contracted by IEBC to provide technology in the forthcoming elections.