Deputy President William Ruto has blamed ODM leader Raila Odinga for sponsoring the Kisumu violence on Wednesday, November 10.
In his tour of Migori County, Ruto accused Raila Odinga of staging the youths to throw stones at his motorcade in Kondele area.
He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be misused in such a manner.
“You are the ones who will decide, I am asking my friends, the leader of ODM.. please let us not use our children to throw stones and cause violence.
These young people deserve jobs, and an atmosphere to work, they should not be misused,” William Ruto said.
This was after he took a helicopter ride from the troubled Kondele to continue with his campaigns at the nearby county.
His accusations are contrary to a statement by the National Police service saying that William Ruto was warned of the Kisumu violence but went ahead to tour the area.
Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso said that there was unrest in the Kondele area even before William Ruto’s visit.
However, Ruto’s Communications Secretary has criticized the police service of failing to contain the situation after establishing that the rally will be chaotic.
“The statement by the National Police Service, which carelessly profiles people in regrettable terms, underscores the fact that they had intelligence on the criminal conspiracy to perpetrate lawlessness in broad daylight, and ample opportunity to stop it and facilitate a peaceful event, but consciously opted to engage in political mischief instead,” David Mugonyi said in a statement to newsrooms.
Mugonkyi further denied claims by the Police spokesperson that William Ruto’s supporters clashed while sharing campaign money.
The reckless deployment of criminal elements to tarnish their well-earned reputation of patriotism and robust democratic commitment is unfortunate and has no place in the Kenya we want. Hustlers are peaceful people who believe in the solidarity of all Kenyans,” Mugonyi added.
