DP Ruto says fighting corruption will not work with false information

Deputy President William Ruto has said the government’s fight against corruption is unwavering and no one will be spared.

He said institutions should be allowed to prosecute the war against graft using factual information.

“There are no two positions about this battle. We will employ accurate information and solid evidence to make sure the corrupt are brought to book,” said Dr Ruto.

“But there are those who are afraid of this. What is the problem with using factual information? Are you after the war on corruption or you are after politics?” he posed.

He was speaking in Murang’a County on Monday during the funeral service of Margaret Wangechi, mother to area Senator Irungu Kang’ata.

The DP said the government will not condone those using propaganda in the name of fighting corruption to paint Jubilee development plans negatively.

UHURU LEGACY

“We will not allow such schemes. We are aware of politicians who are after watering down the legacy of President Uhuru Kenyatta,” added the Deputy President.

The DP said his concern on the construction of dams was because it was part of the Jubilee manifesto, which promised clean drinking water for people and livestock, and for irrigation to boost food production.

Politicians who accompanied the DP noted that “if we have institutions that are directed by the politics of the day, then Kenya is doomed”.

According to them, the ongoing purge on corruption should be done without bias; be informed by facts and free of politics.

“We must stick to the truth as we fight corruption. The prosecution of corruption should not be a media agenda. We must allow independent institutions to function independently,” said Kipchumba Murkomen, the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika said the corruption fight should be objective.

AGENDA BEHIND AN AGENDA

“We appreciate the fact that the vice is eating into our development agenda; it must be tamed. However, let it not be an agenda behind an agenda. It should be thoroughly wiped out not through the media but by courts,” said Ms Kihika.

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu called on President Kenyatta and the Deputy President to intensify their development agenda for the country even as they fight corruption.

“Jubilee has a manifesto for this country which we must continue to implement. We must not be kept busy by people who are not after transforming Kenya,” he said.

Mr Waititu said whatever the many stories doing rounds, “we know who will be our next president”.

“It is in black and white, and we will not change our stand on the promise we made prior to the 2013 elections,” he added.

Mr Kuria called on leaders to respect each other even as they seek to push further their agenda.

MIXING POLITICS WITH CHURCH

“Let us bring down the political heat and serve the country,” noted the Gatundu South legislator.

He asked politicians not to bring to the church petty politics that may threaten the unity of the country.

“Do not mix politics with the church. Political conmen should take petty issues away from religious organisations,” said Mr Kuria.

Mr Murkomen said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga had brought some unity in the country but it should not be used to tear Jubilee apart.

“We must make noise so as to guard the legacy of the president,” he explained.

Leaders present were Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Governor Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu), Senators Isaac Mwaura (nominated), Njeru Ndwiga (Embu), Sam Ongeri (Kisii), Petronilla Were (nominated), Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) and Enoch Wambua (Kitui).

Other Senators at the funeral service include Samuel Poghisio (West Pokot), Alice Milgo (nominated), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Paul Githiomi (Nyandarua), Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Boy Juma Boy(Kwale) and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira).

Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Nduati Ngugi (Gatanga), Simon Kingara (Ruiru), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Sabina Chege (Woman Rep, Murang’a) and Moses Kuria (Gatundu South) were also present as was former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.