Ruto’s camp claims state plotting to block Jacaranda rally
Kenya Kwanza allied politicians have alleged a plot by the state to block the coalition from holding a rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon, June 19, 2022.
The politicians led by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja said on Sunday morning that there are plans to ensure the mega rally doesn't take place.
While protesting against the move, the embattled Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant vowed to go on with the event.
He said the Kenya Kwanza coalition had fully paid to use the grounds and that the move to lock out the politicians is nothing but a political witchhunt.
"Kenya Kwanza booked and paid for the Jacaranda grounds for our rally this afternoon. We won’t buckle at the intimidation of the State. We have a right to assemble. Our resolve for Nairobi and Kenya is clear and unstoppable," Sakaja said.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party had, according to a receipt seen by People Daily Digital, through Francis Mureithi, paid Ksh30,000 to use the grounds on Sunday.
UDA presidential flag bearer William Ruto is among the leaders expected at the event.
The last time Ruto held a mega rally in Jacaranda was in January this year. The event was, however, marred by chaos as youths from rival camps attempted to stop it.
Trouble started as the DP’s motorcade made its way to the grounds located in Embakasi East as the rowdy youths tried to block the road, claiming they had not been involved in planning the meeting.
Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters at the protesters to disperse them and clear the way for the DP’s team to make its way to the rally venue.
Addressing the meeting, Ruto appeared to blame the incident on ODM leader Raila Odinga, challenging him to assure Kenyans he will accept election results if he loses the August elections.
He asked Raila not to mobilise his supporters to cause violence during the campaign period and after the election if he loses.
“The only thing I ask my friend Raila Odinga, is to accept defeat and should not cause violence or swear himself in after the August 9, General Election,” Ruto said then.
