Nairobi County ward representatives aligned with the Jubilee Party have strongly criticized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his recent remarks targeting Deputy President William Ruto, labeling the comments 'uncalled for, immature, and utterly insensitive.'
Waithaka Constituency Member of County Assembly (MCA) Anthony Kiragu, speaking at a press conference at City Hall on Friday, emphasized the need for Odinga to show respect to Ruto. 'The Opposition led by Raila Odinga is insulting, disrespecting, and casting aspersions against Dr William Ruto,' Kiragu stated. He noted that Ruto has maintained 'decorum' in responding to allegations against him and the Jubilee Party.
The MCAs accused Odinga of launching a 'witch hunt' against Ruto, warning that such attacks would not be tolerated. 'We are treading on very dangerous grounds with these attacks on the DP,' Kiragu said, referencing Odinga's claims during the sixth Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga County on Wednesday.
Odinga had questioned why Ruto possessed detailed information about the controversial Rift Valley dam projects, which allegedly involved Sh20 billion in losses. Jubilee MCAs defended Ruto, arguing that as a party leader, he has a duty to understand and articulate government projects. 'It is common sense for anyone with information on corruption to report it to investigative agencies,' Kiragu said.
Nominated MCA Leah Naikane reiterated support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's anti-corruption efforts and the 'handshake' initiative. 'We condemn these attacks and urge investigative bodies to handle the matter,' she added. The MCAs also alleged that the criticism of Ruto is part of a broader strategy to destabilize the Jubilee Party, calling on members to maintain unity.
'In the fullness of time, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends,' Kiragu warned, criticizing Jubilee figures who remained silent during Odinga's remarks. 'If this trend continues, we will not have a party in the future,' he concluded.
