Mt Kenya leaders play down URP claims, assure Ruto of support

William Ruto is prayed for by Bishops from different denominations at the Gatundu stadium on Monday,April 04 during a prayer service for Uhuru Kenyata and Ruto who were among four other individuals going to the Hague for a case on the post election violence perpetrators. PHOTO:COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD

Kiambu leaders, majority whom are from The National Alliance (TNA), have denied claims by their URP counterparts that they have abandoned Deputy President William Ruto over his case facing him at The Hague.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, while speaking in Kikuyu when President Uhuru toured the region on Friday, assured his support for Ruto, saying: “We prayed for both of you in Gatundu and later on in Ruiru Stadium. How can some leaders now claim that we have abandoned Ruto?” said Kabogo.

Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa too insisted that the region was behind Ruto.  “The TNA side of the coalition has been supporting and will always support the DP,” said Ichung’wa.

Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu said they will attend the prayer rally today in Kuresoi, Nakuru, and plan a similar session in Mt Kenya region to dedicate the DP to God.

Legislators and governors across the political divide have expressed their support and called for continued prayer over the case facing DP Ruto at the International Criminal Court.

Moiben MP Silas Tiren said the Government should support Ruto to ensure the case against him is withdrawn to give him ample time to deliver.

Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui said the Rift Valley leadership will hold a series of conventions to chart the way forward and implement proposals that will have the DP absolved.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi reiterated the case against Ruto does not hold any water and is a mere political derailment to limit him from serving citizens, adding that they will stand with the DP until he defeats the ICC prosecution.

His Nithi counterpart Kareke Mbiuki said the central region is fully behind the DP.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos called on the electorate to come together to pray for the DP.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and his Bungoma counterpart Ken Lusaka called on all Kenyans to stand by Ruto to overcome The Hague cases.

Meanwhile, the leaders called on their counterparts across the political divide against undermining the presidency and instead offer support in improving service delivery to the electorate.

“Respect is paramount amongst all leaders. I call upon all leaders, irrespective of one’s ideologies, to respect the President and his deputy Ruto as they strive to deliver their pledges,” said Cherangany MP Wesley Korir.

Mbiuki said, “This is not a grand coalition government. We need to work with those in power instead of yapping about everything; empty talk does not bring development.”

The leaders were speaking in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County, where DP Ruto presided over the ground breaking of the construction of Kenya’s the first fertilizer manufacturing plant, which they said is likely to lower production cost and improve farmers’ fortunes.

The DP called on the electorate to focus on constructive leaders, saying Jubilee’s agenda is to unite the country.