19 Jubilee MPs defend Deputy President William Ruto

Over 19 MPs have told the Opposition and other Jubilee politicians to stop what they termed unfair criticism of Deputy President William Ruto.

The legislators complained that politicians had turned Mr Ruto into a scapegoat for the problems facing the Jubilee government.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said leaders, including senators, governors and MPs, were using the flimsiest of reasons to hit out at the DP.

"We have noted merciless attacks from a section of politicians in the Opposition and from within the coalition on the Deputy President," he said.

The Jubilee legislators were at a fundraiser at Kapsabet AIC in Nandi County.

The legislators termed the "public attacks on Ruto" as conspiracies intended to cause friction and disharmony between the DP and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"Enemies are plotting the collapse of the Jubilee coalition. They think they can achieve that by bringing Ruto into disrepute," said Nandi Senator Stephen Sang.

Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure lashed out at a section of politicians harping on "divisive politics" and "unnecessary power play", and asked them to 'allow themselves to be led'.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago advised Ruto to stop shouldering the responsibilities of Rift Valley legislators who had made it a habit to invoke his name at public events to garner support.

COUNTY SUPPORT

"As leaders who were duly elected, we have a responsibility to serve all Kenyans," he said.

Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat distanced himself from rebel Rift Valley leaders and expressed his county's support for the President and his deputy.

Ruto, who was present at the event, reiterated Mr Kithure's sentiments of humble leadership and reassured the President that he would not compete with him.

"There can only be one president at a time. I hereby humble myself to fully allow the President to lead. I am comfortable with being DP for now," he said.

Ruto further revealed he had received complaints from some opinion leaders who said he was getting "politically soft". The DP said he would ignore any political onslaughts aimed at dividing the Jubilee coalition.