DP Ruto laughs off attempts to impeach President Kenyatta

Deputy President William Ruto has laughed off plans by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to impeach President Uhuru Kenyatta terming them ‘an effort in futility’.

Ruto said CORD’s attempts were impolitic, noting that the motion will be shot down by Jubilee legislators in Parliament and turned into a vote of confidence in favour of the Jubilee Government.

The deputy president was speaking after a Sunday service at Bahati PCEA Church in Nairobi.

Ruto stated that he has no plans to ascend to the presidency in order to have his case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) dropped, vowing his unequivocal support for Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2017 General Election.

The deputy president vowed to battle it out with the opposition in the 2022 elections when he vies for presidency.

Last week, CORD led by co-principal Moses Wetangula threatened to push for the impeachment of President Uhuru Kenyatta for supposedly defying a court order awarding teachers a pay increment.

Impeachment motion

In a press briefing, Wetangula said the coalition had instructed its Members in Parliament, led by party chairperson John Mbadi, to prepare a motion for the impeachment of President Kenyatta for reportedly defying the court order that awarded teachers a 50 to 60 per cent increment.

According to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the process of the removal of a sitting head of state can only be initiated by the National Assembly then it goes to the Senate for consideration and determination on whether the grounds raised are sufficient to remove the president.

The ouster motion has since been filed by Suba Member of Parliament and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chair John Mbadi, who accused President Kenyatta of gross violation of the Constitution.

The Suba MP cited Article 131 (2) of the Constitution saying that it requires the president, to, amongst other things, ensure protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

Ruto’s utterances come a day after he launched another attack on the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) for allegedly hurling insults at President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking in West Pokot on Saturday, Ruto accused leaders from CORD of using foul language during their address at Uhuru Park last week, saying the pronouncements speak of disrespect and malice.

“Those who are bankrupt of ideas should keep quiet instead of hurling insults at President Uhuru Kenyatta and other national leaders. It does not help in advancing their course,” said William Ruto.

He criticised the opposition for politicising national issues, saying they should cooperate with the government in development projects as they await the next elections.

“We also know how to do politics, but this is not the right time for politics but development. Those engaging in divisive politics have no room in the 21st century,” added Ruto.

The deputy president lauded communities in Pokot, Turkana and the Samburu for embracing peace, adding that the government was committed to fight banditry and cattle rustling in the area.

Leaders present included West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin and Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto among others.