Karua renews attack on Ruto over maize scandal

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua stepped up pressure on embattled Agriculture minister William Ruto, challenging him to “accept political responsibility for the maize scandal and “stop feigning ignorance”.

In strong remarks, she dismissed Mr Ruto’s allegation that she was leading his enemies in a plot to get rid of him ahead of the next election.

Ms Karua has in the past said she will run for the presidency. On claims she had tried to form a political alliance with Mr Ruto, Ms Karua, speaking in her office on Tuesday, said: “It would not be prudent at all to want to be associated with the kind of baggage he is associated with. I don’t think any politician should associate him or herself with anybody suspected of corruption or violence.”

Ms Karua’s attack came as Mr Ruto sought the support of his party. A meeting of Orange leaders called by party boss Raila Odinga was said to have been reluctant to come out strongly in support of Mr Ruto, according to sources in attendance.

At the Monday night meeting, Heritage Minister William Ole Ntimama and assistant minister Elizabeth Ongoro are said to have asked Mr Odinga to take action against ODM ministers accused of corruption.

But Mr Ruto’s supporters put up spirited defence and the leaders agreed that the maize scandal had been “politicised”. The four-hour meeting, described as “stormy” agreed to form a team to work out a party position on the issue.

Mr Ruto is reported to have defended himself, allegedly saying some things were done behind his back. “He asked us to look at the bigger picture because one party in the coalition wants an ODM minister to lose his position the way former Finance Minister Amos Kimunya did,” the source said.

The ministers said they read politics in the calls for Mr Ruto to resign and accusations over the cereal scandal. It is understood that Mr Ruto tabled a list of MPs and government officials who wrote notes to the National Cereals and Produce Board seeking maize without his authority.

He said such individuals bought maize without his knowledge and he cannot be held accountable. Twenty-one MPs allied to Mr Ruto in ODM also met at Continental House for one and half hours on Monday to plan how to defend him both inside and outside the House.
Public anger

The PM was said to be concerned about public anger at the government and the party and warned ministers against allowing their ministries to become a public shame. Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga reportedly apologised at the meeting after he was taken to task, for asking Mr Ruto to resign.

Those who will work on the party strategy to get to the bottom of the maize scandal are Cabinet ministers James Orengo, Paul Otuoma, Mr Ruto and Prof Anyang Nyong’o. Others are assistant ministers Adan Duale, Omingo Magara and MP Godana Dhadho.

Reported by Kenneth Ogosia, Lucas Barasa and Maurice K’aluoch