No plot to amend Constitution through security bill, says DP William Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto (right) with Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret Cornelius Korir during interdenominational thanksgiving prayers in Turbo. (Photo:DPPS)

The Government has allayed fears that there were plans to introduce amendments to the constitution through the prevention of terrorism bill that is before Parliament.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Government was only sealing the loopholes within the law that were being used by criminals to cause mayhem to Kenyans.

‘We are not coming up with proposals to change the constitution but we just want to seal the loopholes being used by criminals to attack us, “said Ruto.

Speaking during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at the Turbo Girls Secondary school in Uasin-Gishu County Sunday, the Deputy President urged leaders to put aside their political differences and take a common stand on matters of security.

“Leaders should put aside their political differences and deal squarely with the problem by considering the proposals before Parliament so as to have solid framework to deal with issues of insecurity,” said Ruto.

He wondered why some leaders were opposed to laws aimed at ensuring that law and order is maintained at all times in the country saying the Government will not allow some individuals to divide Kenyans on religious backgrounds.

“Those using churches or mosques to engage in criminal activities will not be tolerated. Religion should not be used to divide Kenyans,” said Ruto.

Focused on unity

The Deputy President thanked Kenyans for their prayers saying he was optimistic that the remaining cases at the ICC facing him and journalist Joshua Sang will soon come to an end.

“It was through prayers of millions of Kenyans that saw the cases facing Henry Kosgei, General Hussein Ali, Ambassador Francis Muthaura and President Kenyatta come to an end. I am optimistic that with your prayers, the remaining cases will soon come to an end,” said the Deputy President.

“We are here today to thank God for dropping President Kenyatta case and with your prayers we are sure the rest with follow suit and we will come here again to thank God,” added Ruto.

He said never again should Kenyans witness what happened during the 2007 general election saying the jubilee administration was now focused on unity, reconciliation, healing as well as create a momentum to take the country to the next level.

The Deputy President said the greatest challenge facing the country was tribalism and assured that the Government was doing everything possible to attain a united country free from tribalism.

“Kenyans should unite irrespective of their political affiliations and where they come from,” said Ruto.

“The mandate given to the President and his team to govern is accompanied by heavy responsibility. We have to do everything possible to eliminate this cancer called tribalism,” added Ruto.

He said leaders should demonstrate their commitment in ensuring Kenyans were united and have a country that is at peace with itself as well as reconciled that all its citizens will be proud of.

“All leaders from MPs, Senators, MCAs, and Governors among others have the mandate to unite and fight this cancer called tribalism that has caused bloodshed and hatred among Kenyans,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President said there should be a framework to unify efforts by Police, Administration Police, National Security Intelligence, Military and investigations departments among other security agents to firmly deal with security matters.

“Whatever it is going to take to unite the people of Kenya irrespective of regional, tribal or religious backgrounds, we are going to spare no effort and pay whatever price to make sure Kenya unites,” said the Deputy President.

Drop cases

During the thanksgiving service, Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Cornelius Korir delivered the sermon.

Among those who attended the function included Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro, Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Joyce Laboso as well as Cabinet Sectary Phyllis Kandie.

Others were Governors Jackson Mandago( Uasin-Gishu), Cleophas Langat (Nandi), Simon Kachapin ( West Pokot), Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia ),  Moses Lenokulal (Samburu), Samuel Tunai (Narok), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma) and Kinuthia Mbugua (Nakuru).

62 MPs drawn from National Assembly and the Senate, Ford Kenya Leader Eugene Wamalwa and former cabinet minister Noah Wekesa also attended the function that was dominated by calls for the ICC to drop the remaining cases saying Ruto and Sang were innocent.

Speaker after speaker accused the ICC prosecutors of doing shoddy investigation work which led to prosecution of innocent Kenyans.

“ The investigations carried out by ICC prosecutors were fake and that is why so far four of the six Kenyans accused of masterminding the 2007/8 post-election violence have been freed and I am sure the rest will soon be freed,” said Mr. Kindiki.

“It is just a matter of time for cases facing our two brothers to be dropped because there are no evidence linking them for what happened in this country 2008,” said Kieni MP Kanini Kega.

‘The same bond that binded the three cases is the same fate that will befall the rest of the cases,” said Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

On insecurity, the leaders said the writings were on the wall on matters of terrorism. “You are either with Kenyans or the enemy, you are with the people or the terrorists,” said Murkomen.

Kindiki said “it is time we make a decision as a country either to entertain endless politicking or we stand firm and fight the enemies,”

Murkomen said there should be paradigm shift on matters pertaining to security by making the necessary amendments to contain acts of lawlessness in the country.

“It is time for Kenyans to come up with Kenya’s patriotic Act to ensure the safety of our people and country,” said  Murkomen.

Bishop Korir urged Kenyans to support the anti-terrorism bill before parliament saying it was time the country came up with tough laws to contain insecurity.

“There is need for security agents to change tack on matters of security to effectively deal with terrorists,” said Bishop Korir.

He expressed concern over the emergence of religious cults in the country and asked Christians to keep off such cults saying they were breaking families.

“There is no God who blesses people to kill, this is a devil,” said Bishop Korir urging Kenyans to continue praying for peace and stability.