The Deputy President of Kenya William Ruto officially launched his presidential campaign on Saturday, delivering an impassioned address to large crowds in his hometown.

With the general election scheduled for August 9, Ruto marshaled his allies for a mega rally in the town of Eldoret, located some 350 kilometers west of the capital Nairobi.

Having broken ties with the Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto thanked leaders who have stood with him despite his claims that some had been arrested, or faced other threats such as intimidation or been victims of blackmail.

The deputy president has already quit the ruling Jubilee party he formed with the incumbent president in 2013, and will now be seeking the presidency under his new United Democratic Alliance party.

"And I want to [tell] my colleagues, elected leaders, those who are not elected, who have stood firm. I know many of you have been processed in court, many of you have been blackmailed; many of you, your accounts have been closed; many of you fake charges have been put on you. I want to tell you guys, it is not too long. It�s just seven months and we will liberate this country from the hands of the oppressors, the people who want this country to go backwards. We are determined to take Kenya forwards," the vice president told participants.

President Kenyatta will not be seeking re-election as he is barred by the Constitution after having served for two five-year terms. According to the Kenyan Constitution, a general election is held on the second Tuesday of August every five years.

Addressing the assembled crowds, Ruto called on voters to consider what�s best for their future when they head to the polls.

"And therefore I want to ask every citizen in our Republic - August 9 this year, we have a date with destiny. It is our choice. When you go to the ballot, I want to ask every Kenyan - don�t vote for the sake of voting; don�t vote because of your tribe; don�t vote because of your religion; don�t vote because of any other consideration. Vote for your interests. I want every Kenyan, when you go to the ballot, vote for the team that will ensure your child has a job or a business," said Ruto.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/25979

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