Stop lecturing us on graft, Ruto tells his rivals

Deputy President William Ruto with Taita Taveta Woman Rep Lydia Haika and her husband Nicholas Maswai during the funeral of Haika’s father Barnaba Mizighi yesterday. [Renson Mnyamwezi, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has asked Opposition leaders to stop lecturing Kenyans on the fight against corruption, as they are not investigators.

He said the investigation into the Arror and Kimwarer dam projects has been politicised and Opposition leaders are engaging in a witch-hunt and propaganda against him.

The DP claimed Opposition leaders were pretending to be in the forefront in the graft war, which he said can only be dealt with by state agencies like the Judiciary and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

“All Kenyans irrespective of party affiliation must, however, stand firm if the war against corruption is to succeed,” he said.

He was speaking at Ngutuni village in Taveta Sub-county during the burial of Mzee Barnaba Mizighi Mnene, father of Taita-Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika.

President Uhuru Kenyatta sent his messages of condolences through Ruto.

The president described Mzee Mizighi as a statesman who immensely contributed to education programmes in the region.

Dr Ruto said the fight against corruption would adequately be dealt with by State agencies and not politicians.

2022 election politics took the centre stage with Taveta MP Naomi Shaban and Haika endorsing the DP for the presidency.

“The DP is capable of succeeding President Kenyatta in 2022. He has traversed the whole country to unite all Kenyans. God will reward him for striving to transform the lives of Kenyans,” said Dr Shaban.

Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma, Deputy Governor Majala Mlagui and MPs Jones Mlolwa, Danson Mwashako, Nickson Korir, Joyce Korir and Khatib Mwashetani were also present.

Ruto said the procurement process of the Taveta-Challa-Ilasit-Loitokitok road had been finalised and the construction works will start soon.