Respect Judiciary, William Ruto tells leaders

Deputy President William Ruto (left) with Infrastructure Principal Secretary John Mosonik in Embakasi West constituency in Nairobi on June 17, 2016. PHOTO | DPPS

What you need to know:

  • Mr Ruto also asked politicians in the country to stop uttering inciting comments which are likely to threaten the country’s stability.
  • Mr Ruto also asked politicians to be careful in their speeches and while politicking to avoid polarising the country.

Deputy President William Ruto has asked leaders to respect the Constitution and abide by the rule of law when addressing issues.

He condemned the Cord coalition for threatening to hold demonstrations if MPs detained over hate speech were not released.

Mr Ruto expressed concern that opposition leaders were setting a dangerous precedent when they call for disobedience of the Judiciary.

He said Cord had declined to engage in talks in Parliament over the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and is now targeting the Judiciary.

He said the two are independent institutions recognised by the Constitution.

Speaking on Friday in Embakasi West constituency, Nairobi, the DP told Cord supporters they should not protest over a court ruling.

“If you have court issues that you are facing, you look for a good lawyer, you do not opt to hold protests,” said the DP while speaking in the Mowlem area, where he launched several projects.

ANIMOSITY

Cord leaders had on Thursday warned they would call their supporters back to the streets for countrywide protests on Monday if its MPs were not released unconditionally.

The lawmakers have since been released on bond.

Mr Ruto also asked politicians to be careful in their speeches and while politicking to avoid polarising the country.

“As leaders, we must exercise constraint, we must make sure that we speak and we utter words that will not divide Kenyans or cause animosity so that we can have one indivisible country,” he said.

Mr Ruto said anyone suspected of committing a crime must be subjected to the due process of the law irrespective of their status in the society.

The DP also said demonstrations that had previously been called by Cord over reforms at the electoral commission had hurt the capital city and the country’s economy.

“They are holding protests in Nairobi which are turning into violence, destroying the economy of Nairobi and driving tourists away.

“Kenyans are interested in good roads, water and electricity connectivity and not destructive demonstrations,” Mr Ruto added.