Ruto says URP will pick its own allies for March elections

By Karanja Njoroge and Edwin Makiche

KERICHO, KENYA: Eldoret North MP William Ruto has said the United Republican Party (URP) would not be told which alliances to consider for the March 4 General Election.

His remarks were apparently a response to critics of URP’s intended pre-election pact with The National Alliance (TNA) of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Those who want to tell us that you cannot work with this or that community should give us a break,” Ruto told a public rally at Kunyak High School in Kipkelion, Kericho County.

“We will work with all communities to unite the country.”

Ruto said the only way people could atone for their mistakes is to support others for the top seat.  Ruto is reported to have agreed to take position as Uhuru Kenyatta’s running mate.

“Those who have squandered their chance to lead only have themselves to blame. If you have made a mistake retrace your steps, the only way to repent is to support others,” he added.

Ruto urged the Kalenjin community to back him, saying their support would ensure he wins the presidency.

“We have come here because I want us to walk together and if we co-operate we will form the next government,” he added. He said URP has made arrangements and has a clear formula to ensure it wins the elections in the first round.

Ruto’s allies, however, explicitly rooted for the alliance between Ruto and Uhuru while addressing rallies in Bomet and Kericho, saying their joint run would safeguard their interests.

The MPs urged the Kalenjin community to back Ruto’s alliance with Uhuru to ensure URP forms the next government.

Kuresoi MP, Zakayo Cheruiyot, said URP   would work with TNA and dismissed the possibility of an alliance with Raila.