DP Ruto apologies to Raila over stoning of his entourage in Uasin Gishu

Deputy President William Ruto has apologized to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga following an incident where his chopper and entourage were pelted with stones in Uasin Gishu County on Friday.

While addressing the press at his Karen residence ,the DP condemned the incident terming it as primitive , as he pledged that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party will hold to account any member found culpable of the violence

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with authorities to ensure all the culprits involved are brought to book while warning that any politician who will be found culpable willl face disciplinary action.

“Yesterday there was an incident in Uasin Gishu where some violence was meted on the party leader of our opposing party, Raila Odinga. I have instructed the party to work with the police so that we can get to the root of what happened yesterday in Eldoret,” he said.

“Even as we work as a party to ensure we have an election free of violence, I also take this opportunity to apologize to Raila Odinga for what happened to him yesterday, it was really unfortunate and I hope those who engaged in this exercise regret what they did.”

DP Ruto reiterated that his UDA party and Kenya Kwanza coalition are belivers in peaceful campaigns and will always strive to unite Kenyans ahead of the August polls.

“Our UDA and all our Kenya Kwanza partners are believers in a peaceful progressive Kenya and are committed to a peaceful nomination exercise and a peaceful election in August 9 2022,” said the DP.

“We are going to take disciplinary action against anyone who may have been involved in the violence meted out at Raila Odinga. I have issued instruction to the party that if any candidate was involved in that exercise...we do take the position that any candidate who engages themselves in violence and especially violence with women will be disqualified.”

The Friday incident at Uasin Gishu saw rowdy youth pelt stones at his convoy and chopper. Raila was in the county to attend the burial of Mzee Jackson Kibor.

Police have since apprehended 14 people in relations to the incident, with Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Steven Kihara stating that the police are also pursuing senior politician believed to be behind the incident.