Kanu to DP William Ruto: Apologise or else...

Deputy President William Ruto

ELDORET: Kanu officials want Deputy President William Ruto to apologise for claiming that its Chairman Gideon Moi and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto are praying for his conviction by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The leaders are also furious over the DP's comparison of Kanu to a corpse during a burial in Uasin Gishu a few days ago.

During the function, the DP accused Gidion, Mr Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta's Political Advisor Joshua Kuttuny of praying that he be jailed by the ICC so that they could succeed him politically.

The Baringo senator had attended the burial but left before Ruto arrived.

While addressing mourners, Gideon steered clear of politics and only condoled the bereaved family.

Tuesday, the Kanu stalwarts led by the Secretary General Nick Salat, West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo, his nominated colleague Senator Zipporah Kittony and regional officials said the DP must take responsibility for his public utterances against their chairman.

Speaking to The Standard on phone, Mr Salat said the DP's claims were uncalled for and he should desist from attacking Kanu without proof.

"He holds a high office in the country and it is unfortunate that he can resort to making wild utterances about innocent leaders. We expect nothing less than an apology from him," he explained.

During the burial, the DP said: "I am telling them that it is not good to wish your brother ill and they should check the depth of the hole they are digging for me because they might be the political casualties."

Tuesday, Salat said they were considering taking take legal action against the DP for his statements.

"We are currently reviewing footage captured at different functions because we do not want him to say that he was misquoted. If it is indeed true that he made such unsavoury remarks against our party, we shall not stop at anything short of a legal redress," he said on phone.

TAINT PARTY

He wondered why Ruto would castigate the leadership of Kanu, the party that built his political career when it was headed by former President Daniel Moi.

"How can he call us novices yet it is the same hand that fed him when he joined the political arena? As a party, we respect his office but such utterances could taint our party when we are rebranding it," he added.

He also took issue with the mention of Kutuny, saying the DP has access to his (Kuttuny's) employer and could have "dealt with him" using official channels. "Kuttuny is at the President's office and if indeed he is plotting his downfall, the DP should have asked President Kenyatta to sack him rather than make such accusations in a public forum," he explained.

Mr Lonyangapuo asked the DP to respect Kanu and also desist from making unfounded allegations.

Trans Nzoia Kanu Chairperson Pius Kauka said the DP's approach to public issues has changed for the worse, but blamed it on his advisors.

Rift Valley Kanu Representative Jonathan Bii also led a group of officials in condemning the DP's remarks. The leaders said it is a taboo in the Kalenjin culture to wish misfortune on another person.

"If there was an issue, Ruto should have met leaders in private and expressed his concerns. His public outburst has divided the locals yet he has always maintained that he is a unifying factor," he explained. Joshua Kemboi, a youth leader, accused Ruto of seeking public sympathy.