Kenya: Speaker Muturi Warms Up to Ruto’s Allies During Meru Visit

In August 2021, the House Speaker delivered Ruto’s remarks at the funeral of the Kianjakoma brothers, two teenagers who died in the hands of police after they were reportedly arrested for violating curfew regulations in Embu.

“National Assembly Speaker JB Muturi reads the message of condolence from the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto to the family, friends and mourners of the slain Kianjokoma Brothers during their sorrowful requiem service,” his press team reported in a tweet.

The Democratic Party Leader on Friday however, announced that he was ready and willing to enter into negotiations talks with like-minded individuals.

“It is through coalitions that we form a stable government, but there must be respect. Respect helps people build better relationships with others. What makes a coalition strong is respect among leaders and honoring the agreement. Democratic Party will not engage with anyone who feels his party is bigger than other parties,” he said.

The House Speaker has in recent months been critical of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration and during his coronation as the Democratic Party presidential flag bearer in February accused the Head of State of practicing politics of desist.

While citing the political pact – the handshake – he made with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga – Muturi noted that the President had betrayed Kenyans indicating that he cannot be trusted again.

“Show me anywhere in the world in a functional democracy where a sitting government decides to join forces with the opposition to form another government with complete disregard to their own?” Mr Muturi posed, while addressing delegates at the DP’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.

So which way Muturi? Only time will tell.