‘They lost jobs because of me’: Ruto responds to Uhuru-led changes in Parliament

Deputy President William Ruto now says Kipchumba Murkomen, Susan Kihika, Kithure Kindiki, among other Jubilee leaders, lost their lucrative positions in Parliament because they have openly thrown their support behind him as the State seeks to cut him down to size.

Speaking at his Sugoi home in Uasin-Gishu County, where he hosted church leaders on Saturday, July 4, the DP said “prayers are needed to restore political normalcy in Kenya”.

“Initially, we were only talking about ethnic division in Kenya. Today, a new form of rift has emerged -- political division. In the recent past, we have seen several elected and nominated leaders being ousted from positions in Parliament, and are also being fought on several fronts simply because they are affiliated to Deputy President William Ruto,” said the DP.

“I urge you to pray for these people who are intolerant of others’ opinions to be accommodating. Those affected, should know that despite the challenges they are facing, we still need to live harmoniously as citizens of one nation. When we are patient, and believe in God, then He will allow us to engage in politics that is free of division and tribalism,” added Ruto.

“In the Kenya of today, several politicians [linked to me] are being threatened that they would be taken to court for alleged graft-related offences, face tax evasion litigation, or they’ll be investigated by the EACC, and consequently arraigned. Others are warned that they will lose their positions in parliamentary committees and other postings. They are subjected to all that simply because they are affiliated to the Deputy President, and not because they are involved in any wrongdoing. I am also an innocent Kenyan, [who shouldn’t be subjected to such aggressive fighting].”

“Let me urge you to pray against the devil that wants to spark political division in Kenya. May God keep us united so that we live as one nation not torn apart by political division.”

The DP’s remarks come after he was criticised for keeping silent as his foot soldiers in both Houses of Parliament were being cut down to size by President Uhuru Kenyatta-led 'Kieleweke' team.

So far, the DP’s lieutenants in the Senate and the National Assembly have been ousted from their lucrative posts.

The ousted leaders include: Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (former Majority Leader in the Senate), his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika (former Majority Chief Whip in the Senate), Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki (Deputy Speaker of the Senate), Garissa Township MP Aden Duale (former Majority Leader in the National Assembly), Mumias East lawmaker Benjamin Washiali (ex-Majority Whip in the National Assembly), nominated MP Cecily Mbarire (former Deputy Majority Whip in the National Assembly), among others.

Sixteen (16) DP-affiliated senators and MPs also lost their positions in various House committees.