DP Ruto - Poll date to remain August 8, no delays

Speaking to congregation in Nakuru County, Ruto reiterated that the 2017 polls will be held on August 8, according to the constitution.

In an apparent swipe at the opposition Cord coalition, Ruto told off leaders propagating rumours that the elections will be pushed ahead saying that they are panicking since they have not yet put their houses in order.

The Cord principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula are all gunning to be chosen as the opposition flag bearer to face it off the Jubilee Party led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy Ruto.

Opposition not prepared

He said those alleging a ploy to hold them past that date are simply not ready and looking to cast aspersions elsewhere.

“As a government we have done our part to ensure the election goes on as scheduled on August 8 this coming year. Those spreading rumours that the election will be pushed forward are dreaming in the daytime. The election will be on August 8, not a day sooner, not a day later as per the Constitution," Ruto said.

“If they’re not ready for the Elections that’s their business. We have no reason to be afraid of them," the deputy president said.

Amani National Congress Party leader Musalia Mudavadi was quoted in some sections of the media on Saturday alleging a plot by the government to tamper will the election timelines.

Mudavadi pointed at the decision by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection panel to cancel interviews for the position of chairperson and call for fresh applications, terming the action as a government plan to change the elections date.

The deputy president said that the government has made all the necessary arrangements to ensure the polls will proceed as normal.