Mbadi's Advice to DP Ruto on How to Avoid Violence at his Rallies

ODM Chairman John Mbadi has advised Deputy President William Ruto to consider tagging along elders and former MPs to his rallies at different places in the country in a bid to avoid chaos.

Speaking on Wednesday night, Mbadi noted that the DP’s team should also be politically alert and understand what’s happening on the ground, in order to prepare adequately in terms of how to address persons in different areas.

"I want to ask the DP that when he is going to certain areas, he should even look for old politicians if he cannot get the current ones to be in his team. This idea of bringing cartels who have no idea and do not understand the dynamics of politics," Mbadi said.

Weighing in on the chaos in Kondele as the DP visited the area, Mbadi noted that there are a lot of unemployed in the area, therefore, it is important to be very strategic when addressing them.

"A place like Kondele, there is a way to go there and address the people. There are thousands of unemployed youth, some on drugs. Really you cannot tell them that I'm giving you two million,” he said.

DP Ruto on campaign trail. [Photo: Courtesy]

His statement comes after chaos erupted during Ruto's tour of Kisumu on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

Trouble began when DP Ruto toured Kondele, in Kisumu County where he encountered rowdy youth chanting ODM slogans.

A section of the youth reportedly demanded money as they began pelting his motorcade with stones.

The DP's attempt to explain his bottom-up economic model was futile as he was forced to cut short his speech.

Police were forced to use teargas to disperse the rowdy youth and secure the DP's motorcade.

Later, police released a statement claiming that DP Ruto’s team was alerted of the tension that was brewing at Kondele due to disagreement over the distribution of campaign funds among locals.

"Based on the intelligence gathered, there was tension within Kondele owing to the alleged distribution of campaign logistical funds amongst local groups.

"This intelligence was promptly shared by police with H.E the deputy president's team with recommendation to skip the affected area during the tour," part of the statement read.