Ruto asks Kenyans to ignore Opposition 'sideshows'

Deputy President William Ruto waves to a crowd at Kuhuhia Girls High School in Murang'a where he presided over a prize-giving ceremony on May 27, 2016. Mr Ruto has warned Kenyans to ignore the Opposition's 'sideshows' saying Jubilee government would not bow to their pressure. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  GRACE GITAU

What you need to know:

  • Jubilee MPs accused the Opposition of dividing Kenyans and contributing to loss of lives during anti-IEBC protests.

  • The Jubilee lawmakers faulted Cord’s move to hold parallel Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, vowing to hold their own prayers at the same venue.

  • The lawmakers said they were willing to make necessary reforms once a petition is tabled in the National Assembly and not through ultimatums or threats.

Deputy President William Ruto has asked Kenyans to ignore Opposition’s ‘noise’, saying that the Jubilee government would not bow to their pressure.

He accused the Opposition of creating sideshows to remain relevant in the country before the 2017 General Elections.

“The Opposition leaders are making noise because they have sensed defeat and living in confusion,” DP Ruto said.

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Speaking on Friday at a prize-giving ceremony at Kahuhia Girls High School in Muranga County, Mr Ruto said the government has confidence the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) would conduct transparent and fair elections.

He said the government’s position not to be involved in the IEBC standoff was final.

“You cannot lie to Kenyans that you do not trust the IEBC, Parliament and government. What do you trust? It is not what the President says or the Deputy President, but what the laws stipulates,” Mr Ruto added.

MPs drawn from Jubilee Alliance Party accused the Opposition of dividing Kenyans and contributing to the loss of lives during the weekly anti-IEBC protests.

The Jubilee lawmakers faulted Cord’s move to hold parallel Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Park, vowing to hold their own prayers at the same venue.

“We will have only one Madaraka Day celebrations, but if they insist on Uhuru Park we will also be there,” said Kieni Mp Kanini Kega.

The lawmakers said they were willing to make necessary reforms once a petition is tabled in the National Assembly and not through ultimatums or threats.

“Dialogue will only be done within the confines of the law. Neither the President nor the Deputy can be involved,” said Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura.

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