A section of Mt Kenya leaders have condemned Deputy President William Ruto’s abbusive attacks against them in his campaigns.
The Central Region Economic Bloc through its chair, Francis Kimemia, accused Ruto of using ‘unsavoury language’ which is likely to provoke acts of violence and undermine the people’s right to make political choices.
“This unprofessional conduct is likely to provoke acts of violence and undermine the Rule of Law. The Office of the Deputy President must be respected but we shall not allow any manipulation and intimidation of our innocent people based on falsehoods and innuendos,” read part of the statement.
“The latest unwarranted attacks targeted Governors Kiraitu Murungi of Meru County and James Nyoro of Kiambu County, and came soon after similar attacks on Governor Francis Kimemia of Nyandarua County at Magumu.”
According to Kimemia, Mt. Kenya people have the right to make political choices, which he said has not been outsourced to anyone.
“Governors being the senior most political actors, in consultation with other leaders from the region, have a sacred obligation to guide their people who will then make their independent choices and directions,” Kimemia said.
“The notion that the region had already settled on a candidate or have no capacity to think on their own is totally misplaced. The region has some of the best thinkers and leaders under President Uhuru Kenyatta, and will definitely redefine and consolidate their political destiny.”
He has called on relevant government agencies to look into the matter.
“We urge all those seeking elective political positions to uphold tolerance, civility, integrity and the Rule of Law and we urge all Institutions responsible for national cohesion, rule of law and security to scale up surveillance and take appropriate and immediate legal action without fear or favour,” Kimemia’s statement read in part.
The Deputy President is on a tour of the region drumming up support for his Bottom-Up economic model, and hustler narrative ahead of next year’s polls.
In his Meru tour, he urged local politicians to stop imposing ODM leader Raila Odinga on the electorate and directed the sentiments to Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Jubilee Party also accused Ruto of unleashing unwarranted vitriol that amounted to attacks on leaders from President Uhuru Kenyatta’s backyard who have refused to throw their weight behind his political ambitions.
“Clearly, the Deputy President has decided that everyone from Mt. Kenya, leader or otherwise, must support his presidential bid,” the party’s parliamentary caucus said in a statement.
“The attacks, disguised to sound like jest have laid bare the DP’s utter contempt for our region, our leaders, and our people,” the group added
