Stop targeting us – DP Ruto and UDA allied MPs accuse DCI of malice
Deputy President William Ruto and Members of Parliament (MPs) allied to the United Democratic Alliance have told the government not to politicize the fight against corruption.
The MPs argued that government agencies were increasingly using the anti-corruption calls to stifle independent voices.
"The fight against corruption will succeed the day we remove ethnic or political lenses and we prosecute corruption as corruption," Ruto said.
The DP who was speaking at his official Karen residence where he met the MPs argued that the fight against corruption will only end the day weaponization and criminalization of politics or political opinion will stop.
He accused insiders within government of using the criminal justice system to try and blackmail politicians on matters to do with national politics.
"You cannot use the criminal justice system to fight those who have better ideas on how to take Kenya forward," DP Ruto said.
According to Ruto, certain factions within government have resort to blackmail, force and intimidation in order to force those of a different political onion in supporting their ideas.
"We want to tell them to leave the criminal justice system out of the politics of Kenya. Kenyans can decide which ideas are good and which ones are better," the DP added.
The MPs cited the Directorate of Criminal Investigation as a key actor in the intimidation to leaders associated with DP Ruto.
The leaders were Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa, Kandara MP Alice Wahome, Kabete MP Githua Wamacukuru, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Nakuru Woman Rep. Lizah Chelule, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Taita Taveta Woman Rep. Lydia Haika.
Senator Kihika of Nakuru asked the DCI to stop being used to meet political ends.
“You cannot be coming up with imaginary cases against those allied to Dr Ruto. The time of mischief is running out,” Kihika stated.
She stated that they will not be intimidated but intensify their efforts towards the empowerment of ordinary Kenyans.
On the other hand, Kandara MP Alice Wahome told Kiambu Woman Rep to prepare for harassment from the DCI, EACC, KRA, among others following her defection to UDA.
“The politically-instigated cases will come up against you, but stay firm in your political stand,” Wahome advised.
