William Ruto has claimed that his 2022 competitors are settling political scores by harassing leaders and businessmen allied to him.
Speaking during a church function on August 8, the Deputy President challenged his political competitors to compete with him in terms of political agenda and ideas.
According to William Ruto, Kenya’s development agenda has derailed because of political wrangles such as those facing businessmen and leaders allied to him.
“They are trying to sell fear to Kenyans, that if you are friends with Ruto you are taken to court. If you are an investor known by Ruto you are taken to court,” the former Eldoret North MP said.
The DP categorically stated that the criminal justice system is used to intimidate not only leaders and businessmen allied to him but also investors.
The sentiments by the Jubilee Party deputy leadervcame just a day after the arrest of a Turkish national named Harun Aydin, who has close ties with the Deputy President.
Aydin was arrested after landing at the Wilson Airport on Saturday, August 7, then detained by the anti-terror police unit.
The Turkish investor was among the people who were in DP William Ruto’s failed trip to Uganda.
After the arrest of Aydin, several leaders allied to William Ruto protested the decision of the state, saying the Turkish national was being harassed because of his ties with the DP.
On his part, the former Agriculture minister also protested Aydin’s arrest, terming it as political pettiness.
“Turkish investor, Aydin Harun, is a victim of top-down arrogance bred by patronage & cartels that criminalise enterprise,
“Importers’ goods declared contraband, Africa spirits closed, Keroche harassed, now an investor with valid papers labelled a terrorist.The tragedy of political pettiness,” Ruto said.
Before the arrest of Aydin, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, an ally of deputy president had also been put in police custody over a Ksh 12 Billion corruption scandal.
This, he said, was a witch hunt because of his relationship with DP Ruto.
