DP Ruto accuse Cord leader of economic sabotage over Eurobond

Acrimony over the Eurobond proceeds escalated on Sunday, with Deputy President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale accusing the Opposition of plotting to sabotage the economy by scaring away investors and donors.

But in Kisumu, Cord co-principal Raila Odinga asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to set up a team, including international experts, to trace Sh140 billion from the Eurobond, which he maintains is “missing”.

ANSWER QUESTIONS

Mr Odinga also dismissed statements by Mr Ruto that he was engaged in economic sabotage.

“Ruto’s statement is most irresponsible. He is part of the problem and should do a self-search and audit. He should explain to Kenyans where he obtains Sh50 million, which he contributes to harambees monthly,” said the opposition leader.

Mr Ruto and Mr Duale, who spoke in Thika and Garissa respectively, said the government was ready to answer any questions, including those on the Eurobond and other corruption-related cases, but added that opposition leaders appeared to be dishonest in their claims.

In Thika, Mr Ruto said of the Opposition: “If their mission is not to sabotage, undermine and destroy the economy of Kenya, let them take their stories to the relevant institutions of governance, instead of spreading propaganda, gossip and rumours.”

He spoke during a funds drive for the St Benadictine Catholic Church in Ngoingwa, Thika.

TREASURY'S INVITATION

The DP criticised Mr Odinga for snubbing last week’s invitation by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich to get answers on the Eurobond saga and, instead, “bragging” that he was a big man.

“If you are big man, why should you ask questions whose answers are with a small person?” he asked.

The DP was accompanied by senators Kithure Kindiki and Beatrice Elachi, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and her counterparts Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Esther Gathogo (Ruiru), Irungu Kang’ata (Kiharu), and Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege.

“These people are not interested in the well-being of the country; they are economic saboteurs. When we tell them to meet Mr Rotich, they run to the streets to spread gossip. Kenyans need to know who is talking the truth,” said Mr Ruto.

Prof Kindiki said: “The Opposition is quick to ask questions on corruption, but when the same queries are put to them, including the Kisumu molasses, the Japanese embassy and Kazi kwa Vijana scandals, they suddenly go mute.”

CREDITWORTHINESS

Mr Duale, who was addressing journalists at his home in Garissa Town, told Mr Odinga to give any evidence he has to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“If he has the best interests of Kenyans at heart, he should not chase and scare away investors,” Mr Duale told journalists.

In Kisumu, Mr Odinga warned that failure to recover the Eurobond cash was likely to make it difficult for Kenya to borrow in the international market.

“Failure to find this money will cause serious damage to our international creditworthiness,” he said.

According to Mr Odinga, the use of Sh250 billion in the economy would have been felt.

Reported by Oliver Musembi, Abdimalik Hajir and Emeka-Mayaka Gekara