'No' team storms Eldoret

In a show of might, Higher Education Minister William Ruto led the 'No' brigade to his North Rift backyard where they held a rally in Eldoret town.

Four Cabinet ministers, 10 bishops, and 10 MPs used the occasion to stress their confidence the ‘No’ team would win in the August 4 referendum.

"The ‘Yes’ team has the backing of the international community, Government machinery, and money. But a ‘No’ vote will prevail as we have the people and God on our side," Ruto said.
Higher Education Minister William Ruto addresses the crowd.

He dispelled claims of tension building up in Rift Valley ahead of the Wednesday vote, saying they were spread by people out to cause fear and influence some communities to vote one way in the referendum.

"Those claiming there will be chaos after the referendum are prophets of doom. Our people will vote peacefully," Ruto said.

The minister said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should have listened to the concerns of the clergy on the contentious issues.

"When there is a disconnect between spiritual and political leaders, it does not augur well for the country," Ruto said.

Addressing the crowd, Information Minister, Samuel Poghisio, said leaving the Church out of a matter of national importance that affected current and future generations did not bode well for the future.

They ‘Reds’ dismissed recent polls conducted by various organisations depicting them as trailing the ‘Greens’ as lopsided and doctored to cast them as losers.

"Kenyans should be wary of tribal and ethnic based polling agents who masquerade as national pollsters every time there is a matter affecting the nation," Kuresoi MP, Zakayo Cheruiyot, said.

Cheranganyi MP Joshua Kutuny expressed fears of rigging at the ballot saying the people of Rift Valley were concerned that 20,000 police officers had been deployed to the region when residents were enjoying peace.

Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo said Kibaki and Raila had failed to use the constitution making to unite the country.

"The two principals are busy walking in the wrong direction, that of dividing instead of uniting the people," he claimed.
The flamboyant entry into Eldoret. Photos: Peter Ochieng’/Standard

Nambale MP Chris Okemo said many Cabinet ministers had used uncivil language during the referendum campaigns yet those who had been questioned, arrested, and charged in court were the ones on the ‘No’ side.

Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church and Bishop Patrice Chumba of the African Inland Church refuted claims the clergy were in talks with the State over the Proposed Constitution.