Ruto Laments Arrest of His Allies, Use of Criminal Justice System to Settle Political Scores

Deputy President William Ruto has condemned the arrest of his allies Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro.

Ruto, who spoke in Kabarnet, Baringo County on Saturday, claimed that the leaders were being punished for associating with him.

“When did it become a crime to be friends with the Deputy President who was elected alongside the President and is a friend to the President?” DP wondered.

Maangi and Osoro were arrested on Monday ahead of the burial of former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae in Kisii over allegations of planning to cause chaos during his funeral service.

At the same time, Ruto lamented the use of State agencies to threaten his political allies and to settle political scores.

“Stop using the police, the DCI, EACC, KRA to domineer politics in Kenya. Get better strategies to politick. Stop using the criminal justice system in Kenya to play your politics,” Ruto said.

He further praised the “hustler” campaign, saying it has become the central agenda behind all political discussions in the country.

“We have managed to change the debate this time. ‘Hustler’ and ‘wheelbarrow’ slogans have dominated the agendas discussed by every politician in every rally or meeting held in Kenya.”