Politicians are being targeted for being associated with me, says DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has claimed that several politicians are being threatened and targeted for being associated with him. Speaking at his home in Sugoi on Saturday, 4th July 2020, the DP implied that the recent changes made in the Senate & the National Assembly were made to oust those who have openly declared their support for him.

”In the past we have had ethnic divisions. Today, a new kind of rift is emerging –  political divisions. There are many who are being ousted from their positions and are being frustrated because they are allies to the DP. Pray for these people to have tolerance and to know that despite all these challenges that we have, we must live as brothers and sisters of one nation. If we exercise tolerance, God will open the way for us to conduct politics without division or tribalism.”

He went on to say, ”In today’s Kenya, there are many people who are being threatened that they will be taken to Court and charges preferred against them, others that they will be charged for for tax-related offences, others that they will be demoted or ousted. All this, not because they have done wrong, or that they are not doing their job well, but because they are allies to the DP. Let them know that I’m also a Kenyan,” lamented the DP.

His remarks come after he faced criticism for keeping silent as his lieutenants were kicked out of both the Senate and the National Assembly for being disloyal to the President. The purge was executed last month, beginning at the Senate where the then Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen was ousted and replaced by Sen. Samuel Poghisio, while Sen. Susan Kihika was removed and replaced by Sen. Irungu Kangata. Several changes were also made in the composition of House Committees, removing key allies of the DP from crucial positions. The purge then proceeded to the Parliament where the then Majority Leader Aden Duale has since been ousted and replaced with Amos Kimunya, while Kithure Kindiki also has faced the axe and replaced with Sen. (Prof) Kamar as Deputy Speaker. Majority Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali and his deputy Cecily Mbarire were also shown the door.