Ruto ICC case our main agenda for 2016, says Jubilee

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter (left) with Deputy President William Ruto during Mr Keter’s homecoming party at Kabianga High School in Kericho on Thursday. [PHOTO: DPPS]

Jubilee leaders will mount more pressure to have Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua Sang's cases before the International Criminal Court thrown out.

The leaders, who were speaking in Kericho County on Thursday during the thanksgiving ceremony for the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, said this was their universal pledge for 2016.

"You  cannot tell the whole world that the problems Kenya faced in 1992, 1997 and 2007 can be ended by prosecuting two people—Ruto and Sang,” said Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure, supported by  Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen .

Besides holding rallies to pray for the two, more legal experts will also be hired, said Prof Kithure.

“I want to tell the ICC and its collaborators that the case is the biggest threat to security, stability and prosperity of Kenya. The ICC case is a scheme to destabilise and paralyse the country,” he said.

But in his New Year message the DP, who was at the function, urged politicians to unite Kenyans.

“The President and I are committed to containing tribalism  and as a first step we will unite all Kenyans under one political party,"   Ruto said.

The DP, who had earlier attended a cultural festival in western Kenya before flying to Kericho, said Kenyans must differentiate between traditional values, cultural events and tribalism. Ruto reiterated that the fight against corruption would continue.

Mr Keter said though he was in the Cabinet he would  continue to press for Ruto's  case at The Hague-based court to be dismissed

“Nothing will change. Expect me to continue speaking on the issue and even accompany the DP to The Hague every time he travels,” Keter said. The Opposition has repeatedly stated that the law prohibits Cabinet Secretaries from engaging in acts that can be construed to be political.

The leaders raised the issue of the 2022 General Election with Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria stating they would rallied voters in Central Kenya to   support for Ruto’s bid for the presidency.

“We want to assure the Kalenjin that the pact between them and us over the 2017-2022 elections is as good as a bankers' cheque which will never dishonoured,” said Mr Kuria.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale called on Rift Valley voters to rally behind the Jubilee party, as the campaign to have Jubilee-aligned parties to fold and join the main party gathers steam.