This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's 'Team Tanga Tanga' has been accused of intimidating people to support him ahead of the 2022 elections.
Members of 'Team Kieleweke', led by Nominated MP Maina Kamanda, Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town), Paul Koinange (Kiambaa), and Joshua Kutuny (Cherangany), among others, made the allegations in Maragua.
They claimed Ruto and his team have been threatening people with dire consequences if they fail to vote for the DP in 2022.
Speaking in Maragua, Kamanda said it was evident that the relationship between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto has gone sour, and blamed the DP for it.
He added that the Mt Kenya region is solidly behind the President and will not be coerced to support Ruto.
“If anyone wants our votes, he will have to strongly convince us to elect him but we don’t want to be coerced to do so,” Kamanda said.
Koinange criticized Ruto over his attack on Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his PS Karanja Kibicho, who the DP accused of using police officers and administrators to frustrate his political ambitions.
He said Ruto should not interfere with the work of the officers, who are mandated to enforce the law.
Kutuny said Ruto’s move to defend President Uhuru in the fake gold scam was uncalled for.
“The President does not need anybody to defend him on this matter. I’m sure he can handle it,” Kutuny said.
He claimed Ruto’s dream to become the President would not be a smooth sail as he “already has a dented image”.
Wambugu said they will defend President Uhuru throughout his term because he is the region’s kingpin.
“The President needs our support as leaders and especially those from his backyard,” Wambugu said.
