Ruto warns leaders against violence, economic sabotage

President William Ruto has warned leaders against inciting violence and engaging in economic sabotage for political gain.

He said such actions were unpatriotic and unconstitutional.

Ruto made the remarks during a service in Nyanturago, Kisii County on Sunday, August 20, amid tensions between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio parties over the ongoing talks with technical teams yet to agree on the agenda.

“Let us have a limit even in matters politics. I have no problem with my brothers in the opposition, they are a constitutional entity just like the way we are a constitutional government, and we have to respect each other on that,” said Ruto.

He urged leaders to unite the country instead of dividing it.

Ruto’s statement comes after Azimio leader Raila Odinga launched attacks on US envoy Meg Whitman over her remarks on the conduct of Kenya’s General Elections on August 9 2022.

Whitman attending a Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday last week  praised the elections as fair and transparent, a statement that did not go well with Odinga.

Odinga called on Whitman to stick to her lane accusing her of meddling with Kenya’s political affairs.

“Tell the rogue ambassador, Kenya is neither the US nor is it a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth shut while you are here. Otherwise, we will call for your recall back to your country,” he said.

Odinga’s allies have since maintained the recent remarks by Whitman are a threat to the ongoing bipartisan talks.

However, Ruto came to Whitman’s defense saying she only stated facts about the elections and Kenya’s business environment.

“The American ambassador said two statements of fact, that the 2022 election was free and fair, which is a statement of fact. She also said Kenya is open for business, which is also a statement of fact. Surely let us have some decorum and respect ourselves as we demand respect from others,” he said.

The technical teams from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio are expected to resume talks on Monday in a bid to break the deadlock.