70 Jubilee MPs assure DP Ruto of political support

President Uhuru Kenyatta chats with William Ruto (left) during the burial ceremony for the DP's brother Harrison Korir at his home in Kamagut Uasin Gishu County. (Photo: DPPS)

Jubilee MPs have reassured President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto of their support.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, who spoke on behalf of more than 70 MPs attending the burial of Harrison Korir, Mr Ruto's younger brother, in Kamagut village, Uasin Gishu County, said they had confidence in President Kenyatta's leadership.

Mr Duale said as MPs from all regions, they were in solidarity with Ruto.

"As leaders in Jubilee, this is a sign that we trust your (Ruto's) leadership. Those who come from outside the Rift Valley know that your leadership is felt countrywide because you have toured all regions and supported development projects, including building schools and churches, among others, and that is why we stand with you," said Duale.

Although leaders who spoke steered clear of political statements, there were undertones that sparked cheering and laughter among the mourners.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, who introduced the governors present, said Church leaders should be given enough time to preach during the ceremony. However, mourners cheered Mr Mandago when he invited his Kiambu counterpart, William Kabogo, whom he asked to address the gathering on behalf of governors.

After condoling with the Samoei family, Mr Kabogo said, "Ruto is my friend and I toe the right line".

Opposition leaders skipped the burial.

In his remarks, the President said it was time every Kenyan took cancer seriously and went for medical screening as a way of preventing the disease, which has become one of the leading causes of deaths in the country.

"Let us take cancer seriously because it is taking root and we should take early precautions through preventive measures. Cancer is treatable if diagnosed early, and I urge Kenyans to go for screening because early detection will assist in managing it," he said as he stayed away from politics.

He said his Government would set aside funds for the acquisition of diagnostic facilities to be installed in every county.

While consoling Mama Sarah Samoei for the loss her 36-year-old last-born son, Uhuru said the disease does not discriminate.

"We stand by the family at this trying moment. Losing a family member is a difficult issue to handle," Uhuru said.

The President's remarks followed calls by Ruto to Kenyans to utilise medical facilities to ascertain their health status for effective management of medical conditions.

Ruto regretted that his younger brother suffered from cancer and had been taken to India for specialised treatment only for it to be discovered that the disease was in the final stages and could not be managed.

"My brother was like my first born because I took him to school. He was a very humble man and worked very well. He might have been unwell for four or five years, but in silence. When he was taken to India, doctors said it was not possible to manage his condition," he said.