DP Ruto reacts to Atwolis remarks of not being on 2022 ballot

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s claims that he (Ruto) will not be on the presidential ballot in the 2022 elections.

Addressing faithful on Sunday at the Salvation Army Citadel in Kakamega County, DP Ruto described Atwoli’s remarks as witchcraft, adding that leaders making such sentiments require prayers.

“In this country right now, the contest is between two groups; those who believe in God and those who believe in witchcraft. When you hear someone saying that he has been told by witch-doctors that a certain person will be on ballot and the other will not… it tells you a lot about where the country is right now.

“But just pray for such people so that they can seek the kingdom of God first and stop these other things messing up the country, ” said Ruto.

He was accompanied by among other leaders Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Former Senator Boni Khalwale, who also told off Atwoli.

On Saturday, Atwoli stated that Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho will be in the next government while DP Ruto will not.

“I assure you that after the next elections, Governor Ali Hassan Joho will be part of the next government. In 2022 we shall elect the president in an election that will be very peaceful since we shall have amended the Constitution,” said Atwoli, who was addressing the public at a fundraiser in Lamu.

He added: “The name of William Samoei Ruto will not be there (on the ballot)… You can take it to the bank,” said Atwoli.

The COTU Secretary General’s remarks have seen him come under fire from allies of the deputy president.

“Atwoli you are an old man… Instead of cursing us, pave the way for young leaders so that we can compete with them. And by the way Atwoli you know the history of the Luhya people. A curse from where you come from cannot hold on a Luhya leader like Dr. Boni Khalwale,” said former Senator Boni Khalwale.

Kiambu Governor insisted that Ruto will become President in 2022, remarks that were echoed by Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka.

“Kiambu watu washaaamua… Mt. Kenya region sisi tushaamua. Namnajua sisi tunaangalianga sasawa mahali kuna matunda. Sisi hatufuatangi hadithi sisi tunafuata kitendo ile tunaona. Na huyu jamaa hustler huyu ndo atakua President wetu 2022,” said Waititu.