DP Ruto: Gold scam will strain diplomatic relations with UAE

Deputy President William Ruto has warned that the reported fake gold saga could strain the relationship between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

While calling for action against those involved, Dr Ruto noted that job and business opportunities for Kenyans in UAE could be in jeopardy due to the scandal.

This came as Ruto led over 20 MPs in lashing out at Opposition leader Raila Odinga over the scandal.

The leaders hit out at Raila as they questioned his role in the saga and his allegations that he was the whistle-blower.

Addressing worshipers at St Xavier Catholic Church in Naivasha yesterday, Ruto called on the Opposition leader to keep President Uhuru Kenyatta’s name out of the scandal.

He questioned Raila’s role in the matter adding that he and his cronies who flew with him to Dubai should be investigated.

“Raila should carry his own cross on the gold issue and stop putting in jeopardy job and business opportunities for thousands of Kenyans in UAE,” he said.

While taking a swipe at Raila, Ruto told the congregation how the Government worked with other countries to give the Opposition leader a job as AU Representative for Infrastructure.

“In the job description, there was nothing like mineral extraction and we are surprised that Raila is being associated with the fake gold incident,” he said.

He, at the same time, said that Jubilee was united despite some MPs openly clashing adding that some opposition leaders were keen to wreck the ruling party.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika wondered why Raila and his cronies had not recorded statements with Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the scandal.

She said the fight against corruption should not be selective, adding that all those adversely mentioned should be arrested.

“We want to know what Raila was doing in Dubai with the suspects and he should stop lying to Kenyans that he is the whistleblower,” she said.

The sentiments were echoed by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa who said Raila knew well the suspects connected with the fake gold scandal.

He alleged that Raila had travelled in the same plane with the suspects to Dubai adding that the ODM leader was not being truthful on the issue.

“Raila claims that he is the whistle-blower but this is a lie and the whole country will in the coming days know the whole truth,” he said.

The MPs present, mainly from Central Kenya, assured Ruto of their support come 2022 despite opposition from some few individuals.

“Ruto backed the president for 10 years and we are ready to support his presidential bid come 2022 as promised,” said Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.