Ruto: Since when did it become a crime to be friends with the DP?

Ruto: Since when did it become a crime to be friends with the DP?

Deputy President William Ruto has said it is unfair for leaders to be relieved of their duties because of their association to him.

Speaking in Kabarnet on Saturday during the opening of Municipal Market, DP Ruto said State machinery should not be used to intimidate certain leaders.

“Since when did it become a crime to be friends with the Deputy President who is a friend of the President and supported him in four elections?” posed Dr Ruto.

The DP expressed concern that politicians with alternative ideologies are being unfairly subjected to the criminal justice system with the aim of scaring them to submission.

He cited the recent arrests of Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and MP Sylvanus Osoro among other leaders as outdated intimidation practices that have no room in the 21st century.

According to Dr. Ruto, it is regrettable that the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ethic and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) are involved in politics.

“We should stop using the police to influence politics and allow politicians to politick. Kenya is beyond the politics of threats and intimidation,” he said.

The Deputy President told those selling fear to sell their agenda to Kenyans instead of using outdated political practices.

He also noted that he will not present himself to Kenyans as a Kalenjin leader but one with ideas to transform the country.

Dr. Ruto urged his competitors to desist from the use of tribal politics to divide Kenyans.

The Deputy President also addressed wananchi in Kocholwa and Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet during issuance of title deeds and boda boda empowerment respectively.

He was accompanied by Labour and Social Services CS Simon Chelugui, Governors Stanley Kiptis (Baringo) and Josphat Nanok (Turkana County), MPs Rigathi Gachagua (Maritha), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet County), Caleb Kositany (Soy) Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho County, Nixon Korir (Langata), Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central) and William Cheptumo (Baringo North).

Others MPs were Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), Daniel Tuitoek (Mogotio) Chematia, Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Christopher Langat Bomet County), Moses Lesonet (Eldama Ravine), Cornelius Serem (Aldai), Vincent Tuwei (Mosop), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Gideon Koske (Chepalungu), Julius Meli (Tinderet), William Kogo (Chesumei), Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Mithika Linturi (Meru Senator) and Florence Jematia (EALA MP).

Governor Nanok said it was unfortunate that proponents of Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) were using security challenges in Kapedo as a bargaining chip.

“They are telling Turkana MCAs to pass the BBI Bill or else they will withdraw officers conducting security operations in Kapedo. That is illegal and strange,” he said.

On his part, MP Ichungwa asked proponents of the BBI to respect the wishes of county assemblies and stop meddling with the voting process.

And MP Sudi said no amount of intimidation will stop them from fighting for what they believe in.
“Even if they arrest us, they have arrested Sonko and I among others, we will continue fighting for this country” said Mr Sudi.
Senator Linturi urged Kenyans to elect leaders who have the capacity to champion their needs and uplift their lives.  “We want a servant leader who will work for Kenyans day and night,” he said.
MP Kositany demanded that Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju stop harassing nominated MCAs and allow them to debate and vote for the BBI bill soberly.
“We want to tell Tuju to stop intimidating nominated MCAs, let them vote independently,” he said.

 

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