- ODM boss said Ruto has panicked.
- He laughed off DP's vote-rigging claims.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has told Deputy President William Ruto to prepare for defeat in the August 9, presidential contest.
Speaking during the burial of Central Nyanza colonial senator Ondiek Chilo in Nyakach on Friday, the Opposition Chief said Ruto has been daring him for a duel for a long time adding that Kenyans will decide on August polls.
Addressing the mourners in Dholuo, the former Prime minister said he is not a coward and will vanquish the DP in a free and fair contest.
He further added that the DP’s vote-rigging claims during the recent US tour are a sign of someone who has panicked and sensed defeat.
“Recently, he went to US crying foul over plot to rig elections and talking of setting up a parallel tallying centre. Just set your tallying centre we will defeat you,” a charged Raila said.
The Azimio leader told supporters to keep vigil at polling stations after voting until the votes are counted and results declared.
The ODM leader was accompanied by former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, ODM national chairman John Mbadi, Maina Kamanda (nominated), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, ex-Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Senators James Orengo (Siaya), Fred Outa (Kisumu), Moses Kajwang’ (Homabay) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori).
Others were MPs Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), James Nyikal (Seme) Jared Okelo (Nyando), Onyango Koyoo (Muhoroni), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Pamela Odhiambo (Migori MP), Christine Ombaka (Siaya MP), Rose Nyamunga (nominated senator), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu MP), Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul) among others.
The ODM boss spoke ahead of his crowning in Nairobi on Saturday by over 300 delegates from the 15 Azimio affiliated parties.
Raila described the Saturday event as a political tsunami that will sweep Kenya Kwanza led by DP Ruto on August 9.
“I told that a Tsumani was coming and they dismissed. All the 15 political parties will tomorrow (Saturday) signing an agreement then we march to Jacaranda for a mother of all political rallies,” Raila said.
ODM chairman John Mbadi said the Saturday event will be a defining moment for Raila's State House march.
"This journey has been long and winding, we have encountered potholes and hurdles since 1997. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be the beginning of the last phase of taking Raila to State House," Mbadi said.
Siaya Senator James Orengo ruled out run-off in the August presidential contest saying Raila is headed for a decisive win.
"It will be one round, there will be no run-off," Orengo said.
Kamanda said the 2022 contest will take shape on Saturday after the Jacaranda rally.
“This morning (Friday) we were at Jacaranda grounds to see final preparations on the venue. On Saturday, the whole world will know that we have the fifth President in Raila Odinga,” the nominated MP said.
On Friday, organisers were busy making final touches at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), the venue of the delegates meeting where the Opposition Chief will take the leadership mantle of the coalition party.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to lead the crowning of Odinga before the 300 delegates drawn from the 15 Azimio political parties.
Similar preparation plans and mobilization were ongoing at Jacaranda grounds where the Azimio brigade is expected to stage a mega rally.
Area Member of Parliament Babu Owino called on supporters to turn up in huge numbers and welcome the Azimio leaders on Saturday.
According to Babu, Nairobi is Azimio turf and that will be demonstrated on Saturday when top coalition leaders will be traversing the city.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all Kenyans to this mega rally at Jacaranda grounds,” Babu said.