Leaders unite in condemning attack on William Ruto's home, term it callous

Eldoret Catholic Archbishop Cornelius Korir asked the government to intensify security in the country. Photo: Peter Ochieng, Standard

Various leaders condemned the attack on Deputy President William Ruto’s home at Sugoi in Uasin Gishu County. Jubilee, National Super Alliance (NASA) and the clergy were all united in terming the incident callous and regrettable.

Eldoret Catholic Archbishop Cornelius Korir said the government should intensify security especially as the country approaches the General Election, which eight days away. NASA co-principal and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula said the attack was unjustified and should be condemned in strong terms.

“The incident is unfortunate,” he said.

Wetang’ula however said he hoped the incident was not a ploy by the Deputy President to get sympathy support after NASA held a successful rally in his Uasin Gishu backyard.

“Given that the DP is guarded by a full garrison and armory for protection, we hope it is not a ploy to play victim, if it is not, then it vindicates the Opposition’s claim that our security has gone to the dogs,” he said.

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi condemned the attack saying police should get to the bottom of the matter.

Gideon said the attack on Ruto’s home at such crucial moment when the country is gearing for critical elections sends shivers in many Kenyans.

“The brazen attack on the home of the DP sends fears in the country and must be investigated fully because it beats logic which gangster has the courage to attack such a secure home,” he said.

Gideon at the same time commended the security apparatus for swift response and called on them to be on high alert to forestall such a situation in the future.

“I appreciate the work of our security especially this moment and I call on them to be extra vigilant this time as the country prepares for an election in the next few days,” he said.

The attack on DP Ruto’s home Saturday happened a few minutes after he had left for Kitale to attend a political rally.

The Baringo Senator further called on the police to beef up security in the country to ensure smooth elections and the safety of every Kenyan.

“This is a political season and Kenyans do not want any ugly incident that may jeopardise peace at such a moment,” he said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who arrived at the DP’s home in the morning before they flew together on a chopper to attend Kitale rally said the incident was shocking and called on the security officials to expedite the investigations.

“We are lucky that the gunmen arrived an hour after we had flown to Kitale, we need to be informed on the situation so that we know why the attackers had to launch an attack on the DP’s home. We left at 11:30 am for the function immediately after, we received the information about the attack,” said Murkomen.

He wished quick recovery to the officer who was injured.

Other leaders who condemned the attack are Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa who asked police to conduct speedy investigations into the attack.

“The police should look at all angles to the incident. What this tells us is that we need to guard the DP more. They should investigate those who want to delay the elections,” he said.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said; “I visited the scene to see what was happening. We are still waiting for the security agencies to tell us what is happening.”

One of the leaders who arrived at the scene told the Sunday Standard that one of the gunmen had initially asked to be shown where the toilets were before he drew a machete. “The security officers are suspected to be three,” said the leader who sought anonymity.

Speaking at Ruto’s home Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly said the attack is an onslaught on the prominent leaders and should not mean that the officers are not capable of providing security but a threat.

He called for speedy investigation on the issue saying the attackers other intentions but expressed confidence over the fate of the DP and his family.

Lugari MP, Ayub Savula said; “The office of the Deputy President is very important and he needs to be given adequate security.”

“The tension is not good for a place such as Turbo which has suffered effects of violence. The matter should be sorted out as soon as possible,” he said.

Jubilee Nandi Senate candidate Kiprotich Cherargey blamed the attack on a security lapse.