Opposition alleges rigging plot involving foreigners

However, the leaders did not provide any evidence to back their claims.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is also the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) - Kenya, warned that any attempts to manipulate the polls will be resisted.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he had received information about the plot from a whistle-blower.

"These foreigners are flocking to voters' registration centres in Nairobi. We are aware of what is happening and we shall not allow anyone to interfere with the election. Refugees should remain refugees. They are not Kenyans," he said.

"We shall be alert. We are calling on the church to pray for us. Even if they register refugees as voters, we shall defeat them.”

The leaders said that the Kenya Kwanza administration is desperate and is determined to use any scheme to retain power.

Speaking at Ciagiini village in Kirinyaga County, the leaders vowed to ensure that President William Ruto served for only one term.

The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, stated that people in Mandera have complained that individuals from Somalia and Ethiopia are being issued identity cards to register as voters in Northern Kenya.

"I have seen a video of residents from Mandera complaining that our neighbours from Ethiopia and Somalia are being given identity cards. The IDs are being issued right, left and centre to foreigners," she said.

"What is President William Ruto doing to Kenyans?" Asked Ms Karua.

“Even if [Dr] Ruto takes over the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and his family becomes the commissioners, we are going to defend our votes and he will be a one-term president.”

Mr Gachagua said the opposition will guard votes to frustrate State efforts to rig the election.

At the same time, the leaders claimed that the government is training a militia to attack government critics.

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"We want President Ruto to tell us whether militias are being trained in a certain forest to attack people," said Ms Karua.

The leaders reiterated that they are united for a common purpose and will remain so until the next election.

"President Ruto wants us to be divided; it will never happen," said the leader of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya, Eugene Wamalwa.

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Mr Gachagua hit out at Dr Ruto, accusing him of being on a spending spree while Kenyans were wallowing in abject poverty.

He claimed the President has sent military officers and employees from the office of the President to Vietnam to purchase two executive jets and eight helicopters for Sh70 billion, while school children have no funding and the cost of living is high.

"President Ruto does not care about our children; he should be kicked out of power democratically," said Mr Gachagua.

Mr Gachagua apologised to Mt Kenya residents for campaigning for Dr Ruto in 2022 when he was running before he was impeached. He has since turned a fierce critic of the President.

"I made a mistake in campaigning for Ruto in this region. I ask for forgiveness," said Mr Gachagua.

"Never again will I be deceived by Dr Ruto who has abandoned my people who voted for him," he said.

He promised to go round the region, naming the traitors so that they can be voted out in the next polls.

The Democratic Party leader, Justin Muturi, claimed that President Ruto has committed economic crimes and that Kenyans should reject his leadership.

"We should not remain silent in the midst of glaring evils committed; we shall speak out and get ready to vote out Dr Ruto," said Mr Muturi.

Kirinyaga Senator Kamau and Woman Representative Njeri Maina said rice farmers were suffering due to a lack of market for their produce and poor roads.

They said the government has neglected Kirinyaga County and asked residents to register as voters so that they participate the coming elections.

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