Why I am offended by Ruto's visit to Museveni

Deputy President William Ruto was in Uganda over the weekend to receive the Young Achievers Award following his efforts in championing youth empowerment.

It is said that he was at the center of the effort by the Jubilee government initiatives to ensure youths, women and the disable persons are given priority in the award of government tenders.

This is was a much needed a break from the usual and seemingly never ending accusation of corruption by his detractors stemming from his quick financial and political rise.

His visit to Uganda could have past like many other trips he has made to the neighboring country before except for his dalliance President Museveni at a time when the latter's respect for human rights and political pluralism has come into focus.

Disturbing images of an opposition member of parliament for Kyadondo East Constituency has coursed concerns that for President Museveni, the more things change the more they remain the same.

It is disturbing that the Deputy president did not only voice his support for Museveni but also expressed his admiration for a person whose human rights records are at all times low.

Even more troubling is the fact that this comes at a time when he has not hidden his desire to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta when he finally retires in 2022.

These are not matters to be taken lightly knowing very well the journey that the country has gone through to be where we are today in terms of human rights records and economic growth.

I believe that majority of Kenyans would not wish to return to the days when to have divergent political opinion from the president was a reason enough to be jailed through state sponsored charges.

The deputy president must resist the temptation to build alliances with individuals best known for their dismal concern for human rights.

As he pursues the highest office in the land, the Deputy president must assure Kenyans not only by words but also his associations that his dalliance with Museveni does not compromise his belief and values that Kenyans attach to public office holders because as the say that goes, show me your friends and I will tell you who you are still holds.