DP Ruto urges Raila to denounce violence

Deputy President William Ruto has urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to denounce violence.

He said ‘politics of ‘my bedroom’ have been overtaken by events.

Dr Ruto the former Prime minister should stop using Kibera and Kondele areas to instill fear among other leaders from touring Luo Nyanza.

Speaking in Bomet and Kericho Counties on Monday, Dr Ruto said leaders irrespective of their political or ethnic persuasions were free to sell their agenda in any part of the country without any fear.

“It’s time the former Prime minister disowns violence and stop using Kibera and Kondole to make other leaders fear touring Nyanza,” said Dr Ruto.

At the same time, Dr Ruto cautioned leaders from across the political divide against spewing hateful remarks.

He said leaders must be at the forefront in preaching peace and harmonious relations among all Kenyans at all times.

He said UDA does not subscribe to politics that profile individuals or communities.

Noting that Meru Senator Mithika Linturi made a statement last weekend that he has since regretted and apologized, the Deputy President told leaders to mind their language.

“Going forward, we must mind our language and avoid engaging in divisive talk. All of us must be careful of what we say, irrespective of our political or ethnic persuasions,” said Dr Ruto.

The Deputy President asked independent institutions to apply the law equally to all Kenyans.

“Every independent institution, especially those dealing with law and order should treat all Kenyans equally irrespective of political affiliations,” he said.

He said it was the democratic right of all Kenyans to align themselves with any political party without being coerced or intimidated.

“Kenyans should be left alone to compete on issues and not on tribalism. People should not be intimidated simply because they belong to certain political outfit,” said Dr Ruto

The Deputy President urged Kenyans to reject leaders who were being imposed on them by individuals who want to protect their wealth at the expense of addressing challenges facing them.

“We should not accept a puppet president who wants to change the Constitution to benefit a few wealthy individuals while millions of ordinary citizens are languishing in poverty,” said Dr Ruto.

He went on:”The same puppet president will protect the trickle down economic model that has benefited few people since independence. The young people are not material for hand-outs.”

Former Majority leader Aden Duale urged UDA leaders to avoid statements which may create unnecessary tension among Kenyans.

He asked DPP, NCIC and police to treat all Kenyans equally, adding that Kenya was not  an animal farm where selective justice was being applied.

“UDA believes in the rule of law and. We want to ask our leaders to be careful with what we say,” said Mr Duale.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said UDA has apologised on behalf of Mr Linturi over the remarks he made last weekend, saying security agencies should also apply laws equally.

“Laws should apply equally to all Kenyans without any discrimination. It’s unfair to target leaders perceived to support a certain political party,” said Mr Murkomen.

Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok said IEBC should be allocated the Sh 5billion it has requested so that no one complains when he/she loses.

Mr Jackson Mandago, Uasin Gishu Governor, cautioned security officers against engaging in politics at the expense of dealing with security matters.

MPs Kimani Ichung’wa and Rigathi Gachagua said no amount of intimidation would stop people of Mt Kenya from supporting Dr Ruto for presidency.

Others who addressed the function included Devolution CS Charles Keter, Labour CAS Patrick Ntutu and his Petroleum and Mining counterpart John Mosonik,  Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.