However, he maintained he was not going to give up his presidential bid and support any other aspirant.
Mr Ruto said dialogue should be encouraged to ensure the General Election was peaceful, non-divisive and based on issues close to the hearts of Kenyans.
“It is only for the three reasons that we must continue with dialogue as leaders. But Kenyans will determine who becomes the president. I will meet with Raila and others at the ballot,” Ruto said.
Addressing a United Republican Party (URP) rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa on Sunday, Ruto said he supported Raila and Uhuru Kenyatta and could not continue backing their presidential bids.
The URP leaders told Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) to join political parties and pick visionary leaders.
Ruto said visionary leadership would address issues of land and unemployment.
The Eldoret North MP said it was possible to develop a vibrant sugar industry and irrigated agriculture at the Coast to produce food and generate employment.
Squatter problem
He also said URP would resolve the squatter problem at the Coast, which formed part of MRC grievances.
“The solution lies in electing visionary leaders and not violent means,” Ruto urged.
Environment Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere told MRC members to participate in the next General Election, saying violence would not help address their grievances.
“MRC cannot win against the Government. The way forward is that the movement should join a political party and participate in election,” Mwakwere said.
Kaloleni MP and Medical Services assistant minister Kazungu Kambi warned that MRC sympathisers would be “crushed” and advised them to abandon the hard stance.
“The Government will arrest and crush the MRC elements because they are promoting violence,” Kambi said.
Dujis MP Adan Duale told Mvita MP Najib Balala and Nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dor to abandon their new parties and join URP, as they were allegedly lone rangers.
“Balala and Sheikh Dor should stop playing one-man guitar. They will not succeed,” Duale said.
Balala has formed the Republican Congress Party (RCP)
SOURCE: STANDARD DIGITAL
