Inside Politics

Ruto allies protest after his journey to Uganda was ‘blocked’

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 09:00 | By
Deputy President William Ruto. PHOTO/COURTESY

Deputy President William Ruto’s trip to Uganda was on Monday, August 2, cut short at Wilson Airport after immigration officials directed him to seek clearance from the head of public service.

DP Ruto’s spokesperson David Mugonyi confirmed the DP was, for the first time in nine years, told he could not proceed with his journey out of the country.

The development came hot on the heels of a series of wrangles pitting DP Ruto, his allies against the very government they helped to form.

The incident sparked outrage from his allies who boldly expressed their reservations on the move.

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei on Tuesday, August 3, said while the DP requires clearance to leave the country, it was not supposed to be a reason his journey was cut short.

She said DP Ruto needed to be cleared within minutes rather than being made to wait for about five hours at the airport.

“One seeks clearance for his or her whereabouts to be known. That is all, not to prevent you from travelling. DP Ruto's whereabouts were known and therefore he should have been allowed to continue with his journey,” the Woman Rep told a local TV.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, the DP does not require any clearance to leave the country since there is no legal requirement.

“The Deputy President has never ever required any clearance to travel out of the country. There is no law/regulation requiring him to seek clearance before travel for any public or private engagement. What happened today is a sheer act of impunity and gross violation of the Constitution,” the Senator tweeted.

Jubilee nominated Senator Millicent Omanga protested the move saying the state must be condemned for disrespecting the country’s second in command.

“You don’t have to agree with someone or subscribe to the same political ideology to protect fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in our constitution. When the executive misuses its powers we must all call its bluff, including when they humiliate a sitting deputy president,” Omanga said.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot claimed the move is part of a wider plot by the state to cause chaos and have a reason for the postponement of the 2022 General Elections.

“Why all these provocations at the Hustler Nation? The idea is to precipitate chaos n thus present grounds for extension of the term of office. (Art 102 CoK) We are way wiser. We have taken in even worse from Uhuru. Our focus is singular, n that’s what our energy is reserved,” he said.

On the other hand, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki lamented over the move saying a click of people are after ensuring the country plunges into challenges.

“Even humiliation, provocation & contempt have expiry dates. Some folks are determined to push this Country into unprecedented challenges, at all costs. God save our land,” he said.

The DP's visit to Uganda was set to be his second in less than a month.

His office says he was on a private business mission together with his entourage that included Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, his counterparts Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and Benjamin Tayari (Kinango).

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