Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua have reacted to a High Court ruling ordering Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua to forfeit Sh202 million to the government.

Addressing a series of campaign rallies in Nakuru County on Thursday, Odinga and Karua welcomed the ruling, saying it confirms their position that their opponents in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance led by Deputy President William Ruto and his running mate Gachagua cannot be trusted to fight corruption.

Odinga, who has pledged to slay the corruption dragon if elected president in the forthcoming elections, urged Kenyans to be alert and reject claims by his competitors that the war against graft has been weaponized.

“The court has ruled with finality on the matter that the funds were corruptly acquired. Let them not tell us that the state is targeting them again because of their association with their leader, William Ruto. The court has proved them wrong,” Odinga said.

“I want to tell the youth to be courageous and defend our country. Vote for leaders who will help eradicate the vice.”

On her part, Karua said Gachagua was unable to explain the source of the funds in his bank accounts which is a clear indication that it was obtained through corrupt means.

“You as the voter look at all the teams and decide which is worth your vote. Our team is full of patriots who are ready to safeguard your interests. but the other side is composed of looters who are committed to making the lives of millions of Kenyans miserable,” said Karua.

She added: “I implore you to vote for leaders who will protect your interests and ensure that Kenya prospers. If you vote for a corrupt leader, you will be allowing yourselves to undergo misery for another five years.”

In her ruling, Justice Esther Maina ruled that Gachagua failed to explain and prove how he obtained the funds from government agencies.

“Indeed he admitted he received from government agencies…there was nothing to show of the contract has had been awarded a tender by that ministry…,” judge Maina ruled.

Justice Maina noted that there was no evidence that Gachagua executed the contract in order to obtain the funds. The court further rejected the argument that the Sh202 was in a fixed account.

Gachagua has since instructed his lawyers to file an appeal against the judgment, claiming that the judge was biased and that the ruling was hastily rushed 10 days before the elections in a futile attempt to undermine his candidature in the coming elections and dent his sterling performance in the Deputy Presidential debate last week.