Kenyan political tensions flared as Deputy President William Ruto dismissed opposition leader Raila Odinga's assertion that Pope Francis demanded the return of a Mitsubishi Pajero gifted to Kisumu Archbishop Phillip Anyolo, labeling the claim 'only in Kenya' during the Sixth Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga.
Ruto addressed Odinga's allegations about the Arror & Kimwarer dams scandal, where the latter questioned why the government reported a Sh7 billion loss while the Director of Criminal Investigations cited Sh20 billion. The DP defended his knowledge of public spending, comparing critics to a herdsman questioned about livestock numbers: 'Why wouldn’t a herdsman have an interest in the number of herd he is keeping?'
He also mocked Odinga's reference to Vatican involvement, stating, ' Unajua hii Kenya iko na maneno, and we are very interesting people. In the last election, you [Mr Odinga] said your competitor stole the Eurobond. Now, you are accusing the person you perceive to be your future competitor as the one stealing money from dams... ' Ruto added, ' Ati, ‘I was called by the Pope’. Really, wewe ulipigiwa simu na Pope? Kweli? Aaah, Kenya… It only happens in Kenya.'
The exchange occurred amid heightened political rivalry ahead of the 2022 presidential elections, with both leaders frequently clashing over corruption allegations and public spending controversies.
