MPs fault Deputy President William Ruto on deployment of army

By Isaiah Lucheli

Deputy President William Ruto does not have powers to order for the deployment of the military to clash torn regions, Parliament heard.

MPs faulted the Deputy President over his public announcement recently in which he ordered for the deployment of the military to Marsabit, saying it was unconstitutional.

Quoting section 241 of the Constitution, the MPs Aghostinho Neto (Ndhiwa), Chris Bichage (Nyaribari Chache) and Kenneth Okoth (Kibra) said the law clearly stipulated the process of deploying the military to areas hit by violence.

“The Constitution clearly stipulates in Article 241 that it is only Parliament that has powers to order for the deployment of the military. Under what powers did Ruto order deployment of the military to Marsabit,” asked Okoth.

“Failure by the Executive to adhere to the constitutional provision is an affront to Parliament and the laws of the republic. We must avoid a situation where one person wakes up in the morning and gives directives in total disregard of the law,” said Okoth.

Neto added that the trend in Government where they unleashed the military in any manner they please was worrying and called for the respect of the Constitution by the Executive.

He recalled that during the Baragoi massacre where police officers were killed, the military was deployed in total disregard of the Constitution.

Ruto ordered the deployment of the military to Marsabit a week ago following inter clan violence that has led to the deaths of four people, including a police officer.

The military has been directed to disarm the villagers and get rid of any militia groups in the region.