Small parties vow to offer checks, balances on Ruto

Leaders from various political parties have pledged to offer checks and balances to incoming President William Ruto’s government to ensure it implements the manifesto it sold to the electorate.

 Speaking yesterday, the leaders — led by Justice and Freedom Party leader Justus Juma (right) — said they would not relent despite Ruto gaining more members to Kenya Kwanza alliance following recent defections.

 “We need to see hustlers being appointed as cabinet secretaries and government appointees. This is the time to see true hustlers. I would love to see a ‘mama mboga’ in that cabinet,” said Juma.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) has called for peace and unity among Kenyans.

Speaking at his office in Nyayo House on Monday, the chairman of the council of NGOs, Stephen Cheboi, asked leaders to rally behind the president elect and his new team. – Alvin Mwangi

“ We will give credit where it is due but we will strongly condemn anything that does not work towards making Kenya a great nation,” he added.

Juma asked Ruto and his team to desist from the witch-hunt currently directed to the four dissenting commissioners of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to him, Ruto should instead focus on the challenges affecting Kenyans in particular the high cost of living, inflation and the uncompetitive economy.

“Our independent view is that the opinion of the four commissioners must be respected. The Supreme Court vindicated the commissioners from any wrongdoing. They should be allowed to continue with their jobs freely. If there was any solid evidence to incriminate them, we should have known it by now,” he said.

The leaders also pleaded with politicians to address the important issues and avoid the debates leading to calling for the resignation of Vice Chief of the Defense Forces Lieutenant General (Lt. Gen) Francis Ogolla.

“It is appalling that some elected Members of Parliament and leaders allied to Kenya Kwanza team have openly called for Ogolla’s resignation, insinuating that he was used to influence the final presidential election results and subvert the will of the people. There are legal institutions that are charged with the mandate of investigating such allegations. We urge those who have issues with Ogolla to present their evidence to relevant bodies for investigations,” he said.

Meanwhile the National Council of Non-Governmental OrganiSation (NGOs) has called for peace and unity among Kenyans.

Speaking at his office in Nyayo House on Monday, the chairman of the council of NGOs, Stephen Cheboi asked leaders to rally behind the president elect and support his new administration despite their political affiliation to achieve one goal of building Kenya.

“I urge all leaders from the Azimio la Umoja and the Kenya Kwanza Coalitions to come together as one, forget politics as the campaign period is over and unite under the leadership of William Samoei Ruto. I ask all the different political affiliations to bring together their ideas and settle on ideas that will help better Kenyan lives as we forge forward,” said Cheboi.

“I ask the president-elect to deliver his agenda to Kenyans and make lives bearable for every Kenyan at these difficult economic times,” he said as he chaired a meeting with his board members to discuss the best way forward for the nation.

He reiterated the importance of peace and unity among Kenyans for a better and prosperous future saying that Kenyans are hardworking people and if they unite under one common cause they will have a prosperous country.

“I urge all Kenyans to unite peacefully and support the leadership of president-elect William Ruto so that the country can move forward,” said Cheboi.

“A quick return to normalcy after the inauguration tomorrow will help recover from the financial challenges faced by many,” he said in a meeting attended by other board members including Johnson Muoki, Bashir Ballasia, Josphat Wafula, James Wafula, Peter Oyoro and Gado.