MPs dismiss reports of fresh ICC investigations against DP Ruto

A section of Members of Parliament have dismissed reports of fresh investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing opponents of Deputy President William Ruto of spreading the information.

Last week reports emerged that the ICC had informed the United Nations that it had received fresh evidence in relation to the Kenyan cases that were dropped a few years ago.

However, political leaders, majority from the Jubilee camp, claim the information that the ICC cases could be renewed is being propagated by “selfish leaders” who would not want to see Kenya move forward in terms of development, and who want to stop DP Ruto from becoming the country’s next President.

“These so-called ICC reports are not coming from heaven but from within; those propagating it are the enemies of the people. But no evil scheme will stop an idea whose time has come,” said Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Tetu Constituency, the leaders applauded the Jubilee government of President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto saying they had brought change to Kenya.

“You were taken to the Netherlands with the President, you emerged victorious. You will still emerge a winner in this episodic witch-hunt, and eventually be our President,” said Tetu MP James Gichuhi.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga said the development in the country was a product of the tie between the president and his deputy, adding that “no one would accept any cat-and-mouse games” that would divert the two leaders’ attention from furthering their development plans for Kenya.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado, on his part, said: “The Kenyatta-Ruto union is what Kenya yearned for. They have changed our way of politics to a development-oriented one. That is the kind of leadership that would make future generations benefit.”

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro termed the 2022 presidential race is “a done deal”, adding that DP Ruto’s development record should inform voters’ decision in the election.

“In Kisii, we have made a firm decision. It is development and more development. We are beyond the empty story-telling schemes from leaders. I urge Mt Kenya to remain steadfast in backing Mr Ruto in 2022 so that we can change the face of Kenya now and in the future,” said Mr Osoro.

Earlier, the Deputy President participated in the Dr Gakuru Wahome Memorial Half Marathon where he successfully completed the 10-kilometre race.

While lauding the winners, Mr. Ruto called on the county leadership of Nyeri to continue implementing the late Dr Wahome’s development blueprint.

“The late Governor had a vision of making Nyeri an economic powerhouse. Inevitably, it is imperative that the current administration deepens that dream,” he said.

The race attracted more than 5,000 participants. In the men’s half marathon, Titus Ekiru from Nandi County emerged the winner, followed by Titus Kipruto (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Josphat Kiprotich (Nandi) coming in third.

The women’s half marathon was won by Lydiah Njeri from Nyandarua. Maryanne Wangari from Nakuru was second while Carolyne Cheptonui from Kericho emerged third.

Other leaders present included MPs Anthony Kiai (Mukurweini), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Rahab Mukami (Woman Rep, Nyeri), Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Michael Muchira (Ol Joro Orok), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), Samuel Gachobe (Subukia), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), Wangui wa Ngirici (Woman Rep, Kirinyaga), and Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town.)