This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Law professor Makau Mutua has expressed concern over Deputy President William Ruto's silence as President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party purges his allies from key positions in Parliament. The purge, which has been ongoing, has seen several of Ruto's allies lose their positions, including Aden Duale, who was removed as National Assembly majority leader.
According to Mutua, Ruto's silence is puzzling, especially given that his allies are being dewhipped largely due to their loyalty to him. Mutua questioned why Ruto had not dared put up a fight for his lieutenants who were being removed from their positions.
On Twitter, Mutua wrote, 'Why won't DP William Ruto lift a finger or put up a fight to protect his allies and surrogates. They are guillotined right and left in broad daylight in his physical presence yet he cowers in fear.'
Mutua's sentiments came hours after Ruto's key ally in the National Assembly, Aden Duale, was unceremoniously dethroned from the seat of majority leader and Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya appointed to replace him.
With Duale's removal, Mutua said Ruto's impeachment was now brewing, as his right-hand man had been decapitated. He wrote, 'It’s very likely DP William Ruto could be impeached soon now that Aden Duale has been decapitated.'
Other Ruto allied senators who were removed from departmental committees include Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika. In the National Assembly, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali was ousted as majority whip alongside his deputy Cecily Mbarire who was also stripped of her roles.
Interestingly, the DP remained mum as his loyal allies were dethroned, causing a major fallout in his camp with Rashid Echesa questioning why he had remained silent.
