Ruto will lose in G7, says Kalonzo

Eldoret North MP William Ruto (left) greets Vice president Kalonzo Musyoka at a function in Kapkatet, Bureti Constituency on August 18, 2012. Photo/JACOB OWITI

What you need to know:

  • VP Musyoka says Mr Ruto will be the loser in coalition pact with DPM Uhuru Kenyatta.
  • Kalonzo says his efforts to unite Kenya after 2008 post election violence has been unappreciated

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday scoffed at coalition deal between Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto stating that the latter will be the ultimate loser.

While addressing supporter at Kipchoge Keino, Kapsabet in Nandi County, VP Musyoka said he offered Mr Ruto the running mate position, which he declined.

“I wanted William Ruto to be my running mate  but he was unwilling. Others now want Ruto to be their running mate," he said.

VP Musyoka also said that his efforts to unite Kenya after the 2008 post election violence has gone unappreciated.

“I became Kenya's vice-president when the country was fighting. I wanted to bring peace, so, we should not forget where we came from,” said Mr Musyoka.

Mr Musyoka said the earlier agreement was that he would vie for presidency, while Mr Kenyatta was to become vice president and Mr Ruto would be the House majority leader.

However, Mr Musyoka said that he gets along well with Mr Ruto despite their political differences.

“I spoke to Ruto yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) before I came to this region. I hope that we shall work with him,” said VP Musyoka.

He asked Kenyans to register as voters in order to elect leaders who will take the country forward and stop dividing the country along tribal lines.

“The voter’s card is your weapon which can help you vote for accountable leaders,” said Kalonzo.

Mr Musyoka also dismissed opinion polls being carried out by various firms accusing them of being manipulated to favour other parties.

He said that the 2008 post election violence was due to inaccurate opinion polls that swayed most Kenyans into believing the results.

“I was destroyed by opinion polls after they learnt that I was the most popular candidate in Rift valley region,” Mr Musyoka added.