This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
On December 20, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto expressed support for embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who is facing 19 counts of corruption and misuse of office charges in court.
Speaking at the Kambi Kuku chicken auction in his Uasin Gishu backyard, Ruto stated that Sonko would overcome his current predicament.
“Sonkoree is facing challenges but those will pass,” Ruto allegedly said, as quoted by Daily Nation.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, a close ally of Ruto, claimed that the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had weaponised the war on corruption to weaken Ruto's presidential bid.
Senator Murkomen further alleged that only governors allied to Ruto were facing corruption charges, citing Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Samburu's Moses Lenolkulal as examples.
“Governors have been intimidated that if they don’t toe the line in supporting BBI and the handshake they are arrested, charged and removed from office,” Murkomen said during a goat auction.
The Senate Majority leader warned that arresting governors and barring them from their offices was threatening devolution, stating that counties would soon be closed and run from the offices of the DCI and EACC.
