William Ruto, the deputy president of Kenya, came under fire on Thursday from the Kikuyu Council of Elders for attacking President Uhuru Kenyatta during a presidential campaign.
According to elders led by Wachira wa Kiago and Ndung’u Gaithuma (Kiama Kiama), the DP is too ambitious in his presidential campaign.
The chairman of the elders’ council, Kiago, said the pursuit of power by Ruto is worrying and he risks being cursed if he keeps attacking Uhuru and his mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
He said he should take a page from Raila Odinga, who has unsuccessfully run for the presidency multiple times.
“The deputy president has shown his real identity and he should stop inciting the people of Mount Kenya region during his campaign rallies,” Wachira said.
The same vigour he displayed in Mount Kenya during the campaign should be seen in the Rift Valley too, Kiago said.
“The Kikuyu community resolves that we will not tolerate any acts or utterances that could lead to bloodshed and destruction of life and property. We urge all Kenyans to reject incitement to violence and disorder for political reasons,” Wachira said.
Ndung’u Gaithuma, chairman of Kiama Kiama, pointed out that Ruto recently called on boda boda youths to rob police stations of their motorcycles.
Ruto made the remarks during a one-day political tour in the Starehe constituency on Wednesday.
Wagaithuma said that such a move would lead to bloodshed and should not be tolerated.
“I’m calling on Rift valley elders to warn their son Ruto to campaign peacefully without inciting the public against each other,” he said.
Further, the council defended its decision to support Raila for the presidency. According to them, they are following president Uhuru’s lead as their patron and region’s spokesperson.
Nairobi’s former mayor Diek Waweru said Uhuru’s decision represents the will of the community and is aimed at bringing the country together.
Kenyans were urged to follow the rule of law without inciting each other. Gathogo Gikonyo, former Starehe parliamentary candidate, said they will continue to support the President, saying Central Kenya needs to remain united ahead of the general election.