They sense loss, Uhuru says of NASA amid poll rigging claims

SUMMARY

• Jubilee flag bearer addresses six rallies in three counties in one day
• The President claims the Opposition is making "baseless claims" because they know the race is lost
• Uhuru appeals for large turnout, accuses Raila of seeking to delay vote to force a caretaker government

President Uhuru Kenyatta, accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, addresses residents of Mikinduri in Meru County yesterday. 

Standardmedia.com - President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday hit out at National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders over their persistent claims that next week’s elections will be rigged.

Addressing rallies in Migwani and Kitui town in Kitui County, the President and his deputy William Ruto said the claims were a sign that the Opposition had sensed defeat and was looking for excuses to save face.

“They wasted their time on press conferences and fighting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in court and now they have realised that they are headed for defeat," said the President. "That is why they are bringing up these baseless rigging claims."

Uhuru particularly took issue with Opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying he had formed a habit of crying foul every time the country had elections.

Speaking in Athiru Rujiine in Igembe Central, Meru County, earlier, the President said Raila had a history of using shortcuts to access power and that this time he hoped to do so through delaying the polls.

Same trick
The Opposition leader, he said, tried the same trick and succeeded in 2007 but failed in 2013.

“Now we see him trying to find a reason to delay the Tuesday elections at the last minute so he can demand a ‘nusu mkate’ government but that won’t happen,” said the President.

Uhuru appealed to residents of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties to turn out in large numbers next Tuesday to vote for Jubilee Party.

He urged the miraa-growing Nyambene region to reciprocate Jubilee’s support for the sub-sector through votes, and by electing a governor who can work with the Government.

Unlike previous instances in Meru, the President was well received when he asked crowds to vote en masse for Jubilee candidates.

Last minute
Uhuru said he was hopeful Meru voters would stick with him to the last minute and vote to ensure that Raila's political career was “completely terminated”.

He also thanked Njuri Ncheke elders for endorsing his candidature.

In Tharaka Nithi, the President said Jubilee had plans to end the perennial water problems in the county if the party won the presidential elections.

“The first thing we shall do for the people of Tharaka Nithi County when we win the elections is embark on water projects. We are in talks with the Chinese government to ensure construction of the High Grand Falls Dam," he said. [Wainaina Ndung’u, Dickson Mwiti Paul Mutua and PSCU]