Leaders Are Being Persecuted for Supporting Me, Ruto Laments

Deputy President William Ruto has finally broken his silence on the mass firing of his allies from key leadership positions in the Senate and National Assembly.

Ruto, who appeared to speak indirectly to President Kenyatta, claimed that leaders were being persecuted for openly declaring their support for him. 

“Initially, we were only talking about ethnic division in Kenya. Today, a new form of rift has emerged — political division. In the recent past, we have seen several elected and nominated leaders being ousted from positions in Parliament, and are also being fought on several fronts simply because they are affiliated to Deputy President William Ruto,” said Ruto.

Ruto spoke at his Sugoi home in Uasin-Gishu County, where he hosted a section of church leaders on Saturday.

“I urge you to pray for these people who are intolerant of others’ opinions to be accommodating. Those affected, should know that despite the challenges they are facing, we still need to live harmoniously as citizens of one nation. When we are patient, and believe in God, then He will allow us to engage in politics that is free of division and tribalism,” he told the clerics.

“In the Kenya of today, several politicians linked to me are being threatened that they would be taken to court for alleged graft-related offences, face tax evasion litigation, or they’ll be investigated by the EACC, and consequently arraigned. Others are warned that they will lose their positions in parliamentary committees and other postings. They are subjected to all that simply because they are affiliated to the Deputy President, and not because they are involved in any wrongdoing.”

Ruto’s remarks come after he received heavy criticism for remaining silent as his foot soldiers were being gunned down one by one.

“Let me urge you to pray against the devil that wants to spark political division in Kenya. May God keep us united so that we live as one nation not torn apart by political division,” Ruto added.

Among Ruto-allied MPs who were stripped of their leadership posts in parliament include Aden Duale who lost his National Assembly Majority Leader seat, Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Senate Majority Leader), Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika (Majority Chief Whip in the Senate), Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki (Deputy Speaker of the Senate), Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali (Majority Whip in the National Assembly), and nominated MP Cecily Mbarire (Deputy Majority Whip in the National Assembly).

In addition, 16 MPs affiliated to Ruto were also removed from leadership positions in various House committees.