Ruto hits out at DCI boss over PEV cases

Deputy President William Ruto during the burial of Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri's mother Edith Wanjiku at St Michael Catholic Church in Bahati, Nakuru, on December 1, 2020. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has warned state officers against abusing their offices to create divisions.

The DP, in his remarks, appeared to refer to Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti, who recently revealed plans to revive the 2007/2008 post-election violence cases (PEV).

“It is evident that some state officers are being used politically. Instead of fighting crime, they are now creating fear and tension. They will not win. They will not succeed,” said Ruto.

Ruto was speaking in Bahati, Nakuru County yesterday during the burial of Edith Wanjiku, mother to area MP Kimani Ngunjiri who died on November 24 aged 103.

He also expressed concerns over the alleged spirited efforts to scuttle political ambitions of some leaders.

“This is an abuse of criminal investigation and prosecution targeting people based on tribe and political affiliation. People with ill motives have taken their wars higher, and are now using the DCI. They are taking us to dangerous grounds,” said Ruto.

Ethnic violence

He described those behind the plans as enemies of the country and profiteers of ethnic violence.

“What we are seeing is the unravelling of intentions by people who have no vision for this country. Their businesses thrive in dirty politics. We shall do everything including praying against them,” said Ruto.

Amid claims by DCI Kinoti that he had received fresh complaints from residents of Rift Valley region over threats ahead of the next General Election, Ruto assured all communities, of government security during the electioneering period.

“We are not going back. No person in the Rift Valley shall be threatened. Nobody shall be allowed to divide us with ethnicity and hate politics,” said Ruto.

At the same time, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua expressed his displeasure with Kinoti saying such sentiments were a threat to the Nakuru Peace Accord.

“As Mt Kenya region we feel embarrassed when DCI Kinoti is opening up wounds. We stand with President Uhuru Kenyatta for condemning him. He should focus on investigating and arresting those plundering public funds,” said Gachagua.

On the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2020, Ruto reiterated his quest for consensus even as majority of his supporters present, remained lukewarm on the matter.