This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has publicly rebuked Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, saying Raila Odinga has no political role to play in the country.
Speaking at the funeral of musician John De'Mathew in Murang'a on August 24, 2019, Ruto responded to Kabogo's claims that he and Raila were fueling political temperatures in the country.
"Mheshimiwa Rais unajua huyo Kabogo ni rafiki yangu, na ni rafiki yako pia lakini huyo Kabogo ni mchokozi pia. Sasa anakuja hapa kunishtaki ati mimi nafanya siasa," Ruto said.
"Lakini mimi kweli nafanya siasa, mimi siwezi kufanya siasa. Mimi niliapishwa, nikakula kiapo kuwa nitakuwa msaidizi wa rais....na hiyo ndiyo kazi mimi niko nayo. Sasa wewe usinilinganishe na watu ambao hawana kazi. Labda hao ambao hawana kazi ndi wanafanya siasa," he added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also cautioned leaders against making divisive statements that could harm the nation.
On his part, Kabogo had earlier said that the political temperatures in the country would be brought down by Ruto and Raila.
"Hii mambo ya siasa inaweza kumalizwa na jamaa wawili tu ambao ni marafiki zetu na tunawapenda. Mmoja ako hapa na mwingi nilitumana akuje lakini hakukuja," Kabogo said.
"Wawili hawa ni vigogo wakubwa wa siasa humu nchini, mmoja ni Raila Odinga na mwingine ni William Ruto. Tunawapenda sana lakini hii siasa watulize kwanza," he added.
