In a move perhaps geared towards maintaining a bond of unity between Jubilee and NASA supporters, President Uhuru Kenyatta says he does not hate NASA boss Raila Odinga.
The President was categorical he has nothing personal against Raila; theirs is just politics.
“Raila is my elder brother and there is nothing wrong with me disagreeing with him on matters politics from time to time,” he told the Star in an exclusive interview.
Uhuru is on record on several occasions referring to Raila as “muguruki” (mad man) while his Deputy William Ruto heartily refers to Raila as a “mganga” (witch doctor) and “jamaa wa vitendawili” (the proverbs guy).
Raila on his part has referred Uhuru as “mlevi” (drunkard).
However, the President insisted that though he respects Raila’s personality as an opposition leader, he should allow Kenyans exercise their democratic right tomorrow (Thursday).
He said he will not hesitate to deal with him if he dares disrupt the repeat polls.
“The rights of all Kenyans must be respected. They can insult me for all they want but I dare them to try and disrupt election.
“Let people of Kenya go to the ballot and decide their leader. Once that leader is picked, then that leader will have to talk to everyone from Kenyans to regional leaders to international leaders,” insisted the President.
Earlier on Tuesday, Raila called on his supporters to remain calm in their houses and not show up for voting.
He said they cannot be part of an illegality because “it’s not right”.
On September 1, the Supreme Court nullified August 8 polls following a petition lodged by Raila Odinga challenging Uhuru’s victory.
The polls were nullified due to irregularities and illegalities committed by the IEBC. Fresh polls were ordered within 60 days.
But Raila withdrew from the race citing IEBC’s incapability to conduct free and credible polls.
NASA also said they cannot go to the polls without having their irreducible minimums implemented by the electoral commission.
Raila said that a fresh election should be instituted within 90 days.
Already, a petition by three Kenyans voters is before the Supreme Court where Chief Justice David Maraga is expected to make a ruling on it Wednesday.
The three petitioners want the Supreme Court stop tomorrow’s repeat elections citing IEBC lacks capacity to deliver credible polls.