Ruto calls for tolerance between rival parties

Our political differences should not result in violence. What is important is a Kenya that we are all proud to be part of, a country of peace and progress,” said Mr Ruto.

He challenged Mr Odinga to explain why he failed to re-appoint him Agriculture minister despite the efforts he had made to drive the ministry to the top.

The Eldoret North MP claimed Mr Odinga had failed to restrain Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o from asking the International Criminal Court to detain him and other poll chaos suspects Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Joshua Sang.

“If Mr Odinga can explain these two questions, I can reconsider my position with ODM,” he said. Mr Ruto, however, re-affirmed that he will be in the presidential race next year.

“Mr Odinga will seek the presidency under the ODM ticket while I will do the same under the UDM ticket. If he wins, he will be president and if I do, I will be president, but we want to put our differences far from our voters. What we are looking for is competition of ideas,” said Mr Ruto.

He made the remarks in Kisumu on Wednesday where he had taken his presidential campaign.

The MP said that he wants to see resources being equally distributed to all the 47 counties.

“I have been a minister for Agriculture and I know that we can put policies that will increase our food production and ensure every part of Kenya has adequate food supply and every Kenyan has a descent meal. We can provide tractors that will be hired by farmers, provide fertiliser at low prices and advance soft loans to them,” said Mr Ruto.