Raila leads political leaders in congratulating Ruto, Sang after ICC win

Cord leader Raila Odinga was among political leaders who sent messages of congratulations to Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Arap Sang after the International Criminal Court (ICC) dismissed the cases against them.

In a statement to media houses, Raila said: “As ODM, we congratulate Deputy President William Ruto on the ruling by the International Criminal Court that he has no case to answer in regard to the post-election violence of 2007-2008.

“It has always been our position that ODM, to which Hon Ruto was a key member in 2007, planned no violence against other Kenyans.”

The CORD leader further expressed his hope that victims of post-election violence will get justice and reparations from the government to enable all Kenyans close “this dark chapter in our history.”

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi ‘Sonko’, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen are also among the leaders who expressed their delight in ICC ruling saying the decision was long overdue.

“Congratulations Your Excellency the DP William Samoei Ruto and Journalist Joshua Arap Sang for being acquitted at the ICC. God is Great You both have no cases to answer,” read the message on Senator Mike Sonko’s Facebook page.

Murkomen on his part said that the ICC ruling was an answer to their prayers.

“When we prayed, we were ridiculed but God has answered our prayers. Those who were claiming there was a plot to leave Ruto at the ICC have been proven wrong,” said Murkomen.

The Senate Deputy Majority Leader further noted that the termination of the cases will unite Jubilee further voicing the party’s support for President Kenyatta in 2017 and Ruto in 2022.

Duale also congratulated Ruto and Sang saying: “It has been a long journey since 2010 but the truth has revealed itself.”

He noted that the Kenyan cases at the ICC were political noting that the prosecutors involved in the cases did not conduct thorough investigations.

The Garissa Township MP further said that Ruto must be accorded time to serve Kenyans and deliver on the Jubilee Government manifesto.

Others leaders who sent their messages of congratulation are Tharaka Nithi Senator and Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.

@benjaminwafula