Ruto: Raila Skipped Presidential Debate Because He Has No Plan for Kenyans

Deputy President William Ruto has hit out at his main competitor Raila Odinga for skipping the presidential debate held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on Tuesday evening.

Speaking during the debate, Ruto described Odinga as a project, adding that he pulled out because he does not have a plan for Kenyans and was afraid of answering difficult questions about what his agenda is.

“My competitor is not here because he has no plan, he is not able to articulate his agenda to Kenyans. All the reasons he has given for not showing up are just but a scapegoat. He is not here because he is just but a project,” Ruto said.

While reiterating his commitment to fighting corruption, the Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential candidate stated that Odinga’s camp lacks the political will to fight the vice since such a move would be resisted by his sponsors.

“We are the only side that has a plan on fighting corruption, conflict of interest and state capture. The other side are actually hostages. They’re sponsored by people who perpetuate conflict of interest and they missed this debate so as not to offend their sponsors,” he added.

Ruto further defended his track record as the deputy president in the past 10 years, saying he has done enough under a difficult political environment to discharge his mandate in line with his oath of office.

He also pledged to accept the outcome of the August 9th elections and go to court if he has any issues. 

"I will accept the outcome of this election, I know the people of Kenya have made a choice, If I have an issue, I will go to court and accept the outcome of the court," he stated.