Deputy President William Ruto has accused Raila Odinga of fabricating claims that the Vatican demanded the return of a donated Mitsubishi Pajero, intensifying political tensions between the two leaders.
Odinga alleged that the Kisumu Catholic Archbishop's office rejected the vehicle in January, citing concerns over its funding source. He claimed the Pope ordered its return, but Ruto dismissed this as false, accusing Odinga of spreading lies to undermine his credibility.
Ruto stated that the car was purchased by Christian leaders, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, at the request of Catholic MPs. He accused Odinga of being a 'master of deceit' and suggested the opposition's criticism stemmed from opposition to church development efforts.
A church official confirmed the donation of the Mitsubishi Pajero to the Kisumu Diocese but noted it remained unused at the Ukweli pastoral center. The official said Archbishop Philip Anyolo had already received a Toyota V8 from congregants upon his installation, raising questions about the necessity of the gift.
Ruto's allies, including MPs like Vincent Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, defended the donation, arguing that church leaders invited his participation in development projects. They criticized Odinga for interfering in religious matters, with some questioning his lack of church attendance.
Norman Magaya of Nasa accused Ruto of corruption, citing past allegations related to dam contracts and land acquisitions during the 2007/2008 post-election violence. He called for accountability, stating the 'real magician' was one who exploited public resources.
The dispute comes amid ongoing political rivalry ahead of the 2022 elections, with both sides leveraging religious and ethical narratives to shape public perception.
