This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed Raila Odinga's move to challenge him in the 2022 presidential race, saying he is not worried about competing with him.
Speaking in various church fundraisers in Buuri constituency, Meru County, on Sunday, August 18, 2019, Dr Ruto said he was busy helping President Uhuru Kenyatta deliver the Jubilee Party manifesto.
Dr Ruto, who exuded confidence of beating Opposition chief Raila Odinga, challenged Mr Odinga to reassure the country that in the event that he loses, he will not call his supporters to cause chaos.
“I want to tell him (Mr Odinga) that I am not worried about competing him but I want him to reassure Kenyans that he will not cause chaos,” Dr Ruto said.
Dr Ruto said his tours around the country were for inspecting development projects, and defended his frequent church fundraisers saying his opponents were worried because he had entrenched his support base by his association with the clergy.
He described those opposed to his visits to churches as “members of the dark world” who frequented witchdoctors and sorcerers.
“Those who don’t believe in God and are the persecutors of Christianity, they will not defeat God’s work,” the DP added.
