Raila accuses Ruto of hunting Azimio MPs

The presidential secretariat of the Azimio La Umoja has criticized President-elect William Ruto for 'hunting' his MPs.

In a statement on Friday, secretariat spokesperson Makau Mutua accused the UDA leader of 'buying off' his MPs to give the impression that he has more power.

"We are shocked that Deputy President William Ruto, who dreams of leading Kenya, is already engaging in acts of reckless disregard for the rule of law," Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua said in the statement.

He added that the method aims to return the country to the KANU era where the independence of the parliament was ignored.

"He should know that democracy requires the majority of people where different political parties compete in issues. Attempts to eat the Azimio by corrupting its members will not succeed," he said, noting that the Azimio Agreement binds all members to the Union.

"There are clear guidelines. Ruto should know that it is illegal for him, or for others, to persuade members to leave Azimio."

Mutua said no one has left, despite the news that members and the party have left Raila Odinga's team.

"No member of the Azimio has legally requested the process to withdraw from the union. All members who signed as original members are still members in good standing. Therefore, any alleged defect is legally void."

Mutua further criticized Ruto saying that he is already ignoring the rule of law despite promising to follow it.

He pointed out that the democracy Kenya enjoys mandates all political parties to compete on various issues.

The lawyer asked Ruto to stop engaging in what he called "the culture of political corruption".

He also expressed confidence that the court's decision will favor the Union.

"The court will be the final judge of who won this election, and we are confident that we won."

"Why has Ruto become afraid and carried out illegal and corrupt activities in violation of the law? It can only be because he feels defeated".

Mutua called on all elected Azimio and Independent leaders to avoid migration.

"We ask our supporters and those elected on the Azimio, or as Independents, to stand firm in defense of our democracy."