A petition filed with Kenya's Parliament in March 2019 alleges Deputy President William Somei Ruto violated the constitution through land occupation, unfulfilled financial pledges, and inappropriate conduct. The document, submitted by Patrick Kamotho Githinji, invokes Articles 119 and 150 of the 2010 Constitution to demand parliamentary action.
Land Dispute and Legal Context ¶
The petition references a 2018 claim by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) that Ruto unlawfully occupied land plot No.209/14372 in Langata, constructing the Weston Hotel. This aligns with the 2015 Land Laws (Amendment) Bill, which mandated investigation of historical land injustices. The document highlights risks posed by the hotel's location within the national flight path, including environmental hazards from aircraft emissions and safety threats from potential crashes.
Financial and Institutional Allegations ¶
Kamotho accuses Ruto of failing to honor a 2018 pledge to award the Harambee Stars football team Ksh 50 million after their Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The petition also notes Ruto's alleged non-compliance with asset declaration requirements under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, despite a 2018 presidential order mandating lifestyle audits for state officers. A 2018 BBC interview is cited where Ruto claimed to have submitted asset declarations to the National Assembly speaker.
Public Conduct and Institutional Failures ¶
The document criticizes Ruto's use of abusive language targeting political opponents, alleging this has influenced youth behavior. It references a 2015 incident where Langata Primary School students and civil society members demolished the Weston Hotel's perimeter wall, leading to injuries and arrests. The petition demands compensation for those harmed during the clashes and calls for the KCAA to reclaim its land and demolish the hotel.
Constitutional and Legal Proceedings ¶
The petition asserts the allegations are not pending in court and requests immediate parliamentary action under Article 150. It seeks Ruto's removal for constitutional breaches, enforcement of the Ksh 50 million pledge, and investigation into his office's conduct since 2013. The document emphasizes the need for accountability under the 2010 Constitution's principles of integrity and transparency.
