Bomet County governor Isaac Rutto defends Raila's aide over Criminal Investigation Department's claims

By James Omoro

Bomet Governor  Isaac Rutto has  condemned  the interrogation on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's aide  over ‘March 4 Movement’.

Rutto, who is a member of Jubilee Coalition and chairman of Governors’ Council said quizzing  Eliud Owalo is tantamount to perpetrating unnecessary political rivalry.

Speaking during a fundsdrive at Mawego Catholic Church in Homa Bay County where he was hosted by the area Governor Cyprian Awiti, Ruto appealed to Kenyan leaders to respect their competitors who lost in the last General election.

He called on leaders to avoid intimidating their former political rivals in the last General election and work together to foster development in this country.

He said leadership where political leaders were mistreated had been overtaken by events.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has opened a file to establish a link between Owalo and the March 4 Movement.

It is suspected of conspiracy to overthrow the Jubilee Government.

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo condemned the act.

Kajwang’ termed the grilling of Owalo as an effort to weaken the opposition in the country.

“There is no way through the Government can deter the opposition from carrying out its mandate. Owalo is just a scapegoat but they want to arrest more people,” Kajwang’ said.

Mr Orengo said Kenya might experience a chaotic situation similar to the one witnessed in Egypt if the Government failed to embrace dialogue in addressing issues about the Movement.

The former Lands Minister termed Owalo’s case as retrogressive politics which used to be played when Kenya was a single party state.

“The allegations are unfounded and ridiculous,” Orengo said.