Governor Ruto tells off Rift Valley MPs

Rift Valley MPs led by Charles Keter (right) and Benjamin Langat (centre) during a press conference in Parliament, Tuesday.  [PHOTO: bonface okendo/STANDARD]

By Martin Mutua and Roselyne Obala

Kenya: Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has told off Deputy President William Ruto and some Rift Valley MPs over devolution.

Governor Ruto said he would not be cowed or intimidated from putting the Government on track on matters to do with devolution.

In a swift rejoinder to attacks by nine Rift Valley legislators who convened a news conference at Parliament buildings to hit at him over his remarks against William Ruto, the Bomet governor told the Deputy President to give proper brief to his allies when they have to speak for him.

“When sending his sycophants, he should give them the right brief because, what I was reacting to was a statement the deputy president made on Cheche (a talk show program on Citizen TV) regarding the disbanding of the Marsabit County,” he added.

Ruto, also the Chairman of the Council of Governors, said in a telephone interview with The Standard that governors would not stop their quest to protect devolution.

“It is unfortunate that he uses his sycophants to respond to me on a matter he himself talked about on disbanding the Marsabit County, which I reacted to,” he added.

Ruto said the DP should have instead concentrated on ensuring security, a responsibility of the national Government, is restored within the borders of Kenya and Ethiopia so that peace can prevail in Marsabit.

The outspoken governor, who has never shied away from criticising the Government on devolution matters, accused the Deputy President of going around and inciting groups against the county governments.

He dismissed allegations that he was opposed to the appointment of his rival in the gubernatorial election, Julius Kones, saying his appointment was never his concern.

Threats

“I never mentioned Dr Kones in my statement but my concern is whether it is in order for the Deputy President to go around the country threatening counties,” he added.

Ruto dismissed allegations by the legislators that he was pushing for an agenda for 2017 adding that the period was too far for him to be worried about.

“If they are so threatened now about 2017 yet it is so far away what about when it comes?” he posed adding that he wouls continue to speak out his mind with regard to the devolution system without fear or favour.

During the press conference, the leaders launched a scathing attack on the Bomet governor and Nandi MP Alfred Keter over their stand in regards to public appointments and tenders.

Led by Senators Charles Keter (Kericho), Wilfred Lesan (Bomet), Joyce Laboso (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly), and other six MPs from South Rift, accused the two of undermining the DP in the region.

Senator Keter accused Ruto of being disrespectful to the DP and told him to concentrate on developing his county instead of touring the country in the name of being the chair of the governors.

“He started the referendum song, which died naturally. Ruto is trying to reinvent himself by making noise and calling the DP just any other leader. We want to tell him that Mr William Ruto is the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and he is not just any leader. He himself is just one of the 47 governors. Maybe he forgets that,” said Keter.