Thread by @MatinaStevis

Following #thread on DP Ruto's meeting with foreign press [see last RT] I'll tweet some observations/analysis re: #Kenya so new #thread here

DP Ruto appeared confident and comfortable with the foreign press. He was consistent in his analysis of Mr. Odinga's motives to withdraw >>

DP Ruto said Mr. Odinga doesn't have the #s to win & is trying to force an internationally negotiated political compromise onto Kenyan govt

Ruto view is #Kenya is not a "circus" [his word] & is democratic & has election, ppl don't meet to negotiate political power-sharing

DP Ruto painted +tive picture of Jubilee legacy in infrastructure, services. Did not respond to my Qs on nurses, teachers, debt, deficit

DP Ruto said no legitimacy probs w new vote. He said they want Mr. Odinga to run, but his not running doesn't render election illegitimate

I found DP Ruto's reference at least twice in our interaction to his candidacy for 2022 elections striking in confidence & directness

DP Ruto showed verbal deftness in navigating Supreme Court questions. We disagree, but respect. If new laws problematic, Courts will dismiss

DP Ruto's quote a zinger for fellow EAC member Rwanda: "Kenya is not the type of country where you find a president getting 99% of the vote"

An interesting choice to say that given DP Ruto feels confident abt 2022 presidency & he's likely to have to work with Prez Kagame w/i EAC

Again thanks for following the live tweets and analysis from DP Ruto's meeting with the foreign press.