Stop the anti-IEBC protests, DP Ruto urges Cord

Deputy President William Ruto has asked the opposition Cord to stop the weekly protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Mr Ruto said besides deaths and destruction of property, the protests were scaring away tourists.

Speaking during a funds drive (harambee) at Mulathankari Secondary School in Meru County, he said there was no difference between the deaths and destructions caused by Cord's protests and terrorists.

Mr Ruto said just like the Al-Shabaab attacks, the Cord demonstrations were scaring away tourists.

"Just like Al-Shabaab mayhem, the Cord protests affected the economy," Mr Ruto said.

He added: "There's no difference between the terrorists and people who disturb us every Monday."

Mr Ruto said Cord leaders must be responsible and stop the protests.

He was concerned that despite the government agreeing to hold talks, Cord now wants to hold the demos twice a week.

RETAIN SUPPORT

The DP was accompanied by Cabinet secretaries Jacob Kaimenyi (Lands), Judy Wakhungu
(Environment) and Joe Mucheru (ICT).

He was received on arrival for the tour by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Women Rep Florence Kajuju, local MP Rahim Dawood and his Tigania West counterpart David Karithi.

The DP’s tour in Meru follows Jubilee administration bid to retain its support in region after Governor Peter Munya announced he will form his own party to field candidates in next year's elections.

Mr Munya has also indicated he will vie for presidency in 2022.

Local leaders, led by Ms Kajuju, have indicated they will back Mr Ruto for top seat in 2022.

Igembe Central MP Kubai Kiringo of ODM said he had resolved to work with Jubilee government for development.

Tigania West MP David Karithi, who is an ally of Mr Munya, also said residents will back Mr Ruto in 2022.

Mr Kiringo, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Chuka/Igambang'ombe MP Muthomi Njuki, Igembe North's Joseph M'Eruaki and Tigania East's Mpuru Aburi condemned Cord's anti-IEBC protests, saying they were meant to retard development.

They told Cord leaders to leave the streets and hold their protests in the "bush".

The Jubilee leaders said it was wrong for Cord to change goal-posts after President Kenyatta had agreed for talks to resolve the IEBC crisis.

Meanwhile, Mr Ruto skipped another harambee he was to attend at Urru in Tigania West and instead asked the Cabinet secretary for ICT to represent him.

Mr Ruto said he had to leave Meru early to join President Kenyatta in Ukambani