Ruto's Instant Response To Raila's Promise Before Elections
Ruto said that he is ready to engage Raila on the role he will play- over a cup of tea.
Marvin Chege 
Deputy President William Ruto has said that he is willing to have talks with his opponent, Raila Odinga, after the August 9 general elections.
Speaking during the Kenya Kwanza mega rally at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, August 6, Ruto said that he is ready to engage Raila on the role he will play- over a cup of tea.
However, he turned down the Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate's handshake promise at the same time, affirming that he was not willing to go through a similar agreement the former Prime Minister had with President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018.
Deputy President William Ruto arriving at Nyayo Stadium on August 6, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO
It was arguably that handshake that sparked the fallout between Uhuru and Ruto, which has recently grown into heated verbal spears thrown at each other.
"My brother, I am ready to have a cup of tea with you after the August elections and agree on the role you will play. But I am not ready for the kind of arrangement you had with Uhuru five years ago that disrupted our government," he said.
Speaking at Kasarani Stadium during the Azimio final mega rally, Raila said he will not just reach out to Ruto to shake his hand after the elections, but also to George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party and Agano Party's David Mwaure, whether he wins the elections or not.
"I want to assure Kenyans that I will continue with this handshake doctrine, the doctrine of unclenching the fist. For the sake of Kenya, I will shake the hand of my rivals and pay the political price if I have to.
"I will shake their hand if I win. And I will shake their hand if I don’t. And I will do it because I love Kenya more than I love Raila Amolo Odinga," he promised, adding that the country was bigger than just one person.
He also assured his supporters that his government would not be full of revenge and that he pledges to be a president for everyone- if he is elected after the polls.
Raila appealed to Kenyans to get up early, come out in their numbers on August 9 and vote for their preferred leaders.
"The election is a mere three days away. Make arrangements to vote on the 9th. Let’s vote early. Let’s win early.
"I need the vote of each and every one of you listening to me now. Choose your president yourself," he appealed.
Azimio La Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga during his speech at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, August 6, 2022. /RAILA ODINGA
