Apologise to Isaac Ruto, MCAs tell Aden Duale

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto (left) with his Kisumu counterpart Jack Ranguma during the launch of Pesa Mashinani referendum push in Bomet on September 20, 2014. The governors want allocation to counties increased to 45 per cent of the national budget. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |

What you need to know:

  • Mr Duale claimed Mr Ruto had failed to account for Sh184 million meant for development.
  • The MCAs said Mr Duale should be at the forefront pushing for more funds to the counties.

A section of ward representatives from Nyanza and Rift Valley is enraged by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale for “insulting” Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.

The more than 20 MCAs from Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Nandi, West Pokot and Kisii counties are demanding that Mr Duale apologise to the governor.

Last week at Mara University in Narok, Mr Duale claimed Mr Ruto had failed to account for Sh184 million meant for development.

The National Assembly Majority Leader, who was angered by Mr Ruto’s speech, said: “These funds belong to Kenyans and not to your mother.”

This statement angered Mr Ruto, who left his seat and started advancing towards Mr Duale.

“You can run around the country, you can call for referendum but one day you will appear before the Senate. Isaac Ruto, you must appear before the Senate,” said a charged Mr Duale.

REQUIRED INTERVENTION

The altercation happened before Deputy President William Ruto and a Tanzanian delegation.

It took the intervention of Narok governor Samuel Tunai, Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, County Commissioner Farah Kassim Farah, MCA Kuya ole Kijabe and the Deputy President’s security officers to persuade Mr Ruto to return to his seat.

On Saturday, the MCAs said Mr Duale should be at the forefront pushing for more funds to the counties because his region was among the least developed in the country.

Mr Robert Metet of Bomet’s Silibwet/Township Ward told the Garissa Township MP to desist from using vulgar language against other leaders.

The MCAs spoke at Bomet Green Stadium when they launched the collection of signatures for referendum.

Mr Ruto, who is the chairman of the Council of Governors, presided over the function attended by Governors David ole Nkedienye (Kajiado), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), James Ongwae (Kisii), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and Paul Chepkwuony (Kericho).

“Even though leaders are at liberty to visit any part of the country, we will not tolerate those who come to abuse others,” said Mr Stephen Changmorik of Longisa Ward in Bomet.

Mr Vincent Kiror of Baringo County accused Mr Duale of peddling falsehoods against Mr Ruto. “Does he evidence to support his allegations?” he posed.

“We need funds to implement projects in regions that for the past 50 years have been marginalised by successive regimes,” said Mr Simon Kalekem of West Pokot.

Another MCA, Mr Hassan Sheikh, said pastoralists regions were the most undeveloped and wondered why Mr Duale was denying counties more funds.

The five Bomet MPs — Sammy Koech (Konoin), Ronald Tonui (Bomet Central), Bernard Bett (Bomet East), Joyce Laboso (Sotik), Paul Bii (Chepalungu) and Bomet Senator Wlfred Lesan as well as Women Representative Cecilia Ngetich skipped the launch of the referendum drive.