Ruto to Raila: come clean on Eurobond claims or shut up

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday dared Cord Leader Raila Odinga to come clean on what he knows about the Eurobond saga once and for all.

Mr Ruto, who spoke when he presided over this year’s Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County, maintained that not a single cent was lost in the Eurobond borrowing.

“I want to dare my friends in Cord to make public the truth they know about the deal before the public or stop being pedestrian peddlers of reckless lies collected from the wrong places. They should come bare on this and stop being saboteurs of the economy. Watu wa porojo na uongo ni wa ibada moja na wafisadi (those engaging in baseless lies are not different from the corrupt),” said Mr Ruto.

He wondered why the former Prime Minister declined to honour EACC summons yet he had been given a chance to shed light on the deal he claims Kenya lost Sh140 billion.

“How will we end corruption if you don’t address the information you have to the right institutions? That says you are a conman. Bring your issues to the right forum but not say it in bars, public barazas and funerals,” said Mr Ruto.

The former premier has maintained that he will not appear before the anti-graft watchdog and instead challenged the Jubilee administration to go for the alleged perpetrators.

“Unawezaje kumwita aliyepuliza filimbi? (How can you summon a whistle blower?). They should go for the thieves who fleeced the national coffers. Corruption is at an all time high in the history of this country with this Jubilee administration,” said Mr Odinga on Wednesday at Matunda in Likuyani Constituency.

But yesterday, a tough taking Mr Ruto dared the opposition to even seek the services of other foreign investigative institutions like Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Scotland Yard and Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) if they have no confidence in local institutions.

During yesterday’s tour of Baringo County, which is considered a Kanu stronghold, Mr Ruto sought to drum up support  for the newly formed Jubilee Party of Kenya.

“We want to do away with divisive politics and put our ideals high and match our words with deeds, not just to win elections but to unite all Kenyans irrespective of their religious, tribal or political affiliation,” said the Deputy President.

He was accompanied by Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Labour Cabinet Secretary Phylis Kandie and Water Services Principal Secretary Fred Segor.

In veiled reference to Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who did not attend the function, Mr Murkomen urged Rift Valley leaders to unite if their chances of ascending to the presidency were to be actualised.