Politicians in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have thrown jabs at Deputy President William Ruto, accusing him of derailing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s war on corruption and even employing despicable tactics while at it.
The politicians cited different matters including the phantom Arror and Kimwarer dam projects in Elgeyo Marakwet County and the suspension of the President’s social media accounts over interference by some staff members.
It has emerged that a high powered meeting was held at Ruto’s Karen home that brought together his very close and trusted allies. The agenda was to review Uhuru’s comments during a visit to Namibia where he said that he will not spare even his closest political allies in the war on graft — a quote seen to target the DP.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna accused Dr Ruto of attempting to censor President Kenyatta as he tightens the noose on those accused of stealing public funds.
“It is shocking that some people have even infiltrated the social media accounts of the President and brought it down due to his commitment to fight graft,” he said while campaigning for the party’s candidate in the Ugenya by-election scheduled for April 5.
But Chief Of Staff Nzioka Waita explained that the President’s Twitter and Face book accounts had been deactivated for investigations.
“All official social media handles for the President have been temporarily suspended to allow for the necessary remedial measures to be undertaken,” he said.
Oburu Oginga, an East African Legislative Assembly member of parliament, accused Dr Ruto of being involved in mega scams that have crippled Kenya’s economy.
Mr Oginga also accused the DP of presiding over corruption cases by appointing people to strategic positions, people whom he said have been involved in underhand deals.
“Ruto should sympathize with the ordinary Kenyans and stop handling public resources with reckless abandon.
“It is unfortunate of him to belittle the money involved by reiterating that only Sh7 billion could have been lost when over one million Kenyans are facing death due to starvation,” he said at a political rally at Awendo Township in Ukwala, Siaya County.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ said there was sufficient evidence to prosecute individuals involved in the dam scandals and others.
“We are now calling on President Kenyatta to take action against any public servant who has been involved in any kind of corruption, knowing that Kenyans are behind him,” he said.