This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Ruto Calls Off Matiang'i Impeachment Plot ¶
Deputy President William Ruto has reportedly called off a plot to impeach Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, citing fears of losing the crucial Kisii vote in the 2022 presidential election.
According to sources, Ruto held an impromptu night meeting with his allies and instructed them to halt the plans to impeach Matiang'i.
It has been alleged that some MPs were planning to use the presence of security officers at a gold-holding house in Kileleshwa as the basis of a charge of gross misconduct against Matiang'i.
However, Ruto warned that the plan would undermine his 2022 presidential prospects and instructed his allies to keep off the matter.
Some MPs have claimed that Ruto is behind the Matiang'i removal plan to deflate the anti-graft campaign, while others have accused the opposition of using the issue to divert public attention from the flagging war against corruption.
On the other hand, Ruto's lieutenants have denied the allegations, saying that the reports on the 'plans' to kick out Matiang'i from the Cabinet were a ploy by the opposition leaders to shield those involved in the gold scandal from action by Matiang'i.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Ruto's decision to call off the impeachment plot will have any impact on the ongoing war against corruption in Kenya.
