Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has dismissed the ‘Ruto Must Go’ slogan, saying those behind it need prayers.
He said that some leaders are busy calling out the President while he is focused on serving Kenyans.
He cited as an example dissenting voices in the opposing ranks who are opposed to Ruto’s nomination of commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Farouk said reconstitution of the electoral agency was long overdue.
“The President has okayed the IEBC commissioners. MPs should pass them in Parliament so that we have the commission. Some constituencies do not have representatives,” he said.
Farouk said the lot pushing the ‘Ruto Must Go’ slogan need devine intervention as the President would be going nowhere.
“There are some opposition leaders who are opposing everything the government does. All they say is that ‘Ruto must go’. Where should he go?” he posed.
“We are asking ourselves in church that these people require prayers so that they get saved.”
Farouk said that the slogan has no lifeline because the President is working.
He was speaking during an Interdenominational Church Service and fundraiser held at Nandi Hills Stadium, Nandi county.
The event brought together leaders from diverse political and religious backgrounds in a strong display of unity and support for the local community.
A section of leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the nominees Ruto settled on and seconded to Parliament for consideration and approval.
Ruto named Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana county as the nominee for chairperson of the IEBC.
He also nominated Ann Nderitu, lawyer Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, former University Vice-chancellor Francis Aduol, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as members.
There were 116 candidates, from which the panel settled on two for chairperson and nine for member roles.
The nominations, however, sparked fierce criticism, with opposition leaders lamenting the lack of proper consultation.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka rejected the list, accusing the President of failing to engage key stakeholders.
He was joined by Eugene Wamalwa in the call for a relook at the nominations.
“We are extremely concerned that Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence in his recommendations of the chairman and members of the IEBC,” Kalonzo said.
He argued that the move “has automatically created a low-trust institution,” adding, “As we had stated in prior correspondence on the subject, it is now evident that the intention is to rig not only the next election but also the upcoming by-elections.”
The opposition is expected to issue a comprehensive statement on the matter on Monday, May 12.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
