Gov’t Using War on Graft to Silence DP Ruto Allies, Senator Murkomen Claims

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen claims that the government is using the war against corruption to punish Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) critics and leaders supporting DP William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

Murkomen, who is also the leader of the majority in the Senate, accused State investigating agencies of working in cahoots to silence Governors allied to DP Ruto by charging them with corruption.

“Governors, if you do not support BBI and the handshake, they will instigate imaginary corruption cases against you and remove you from office, your cases will go on until 2027,” said Murkomen while speaking in Baringo.

At the same time, Murkomen defended his decision to represent embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in court, saying Senators have a duty to protect devolution. Murkomen is in the legal team that is representing Sonko in a case where he is charged with misappropriating county funds amounting to Sh357 million.

“Many of you are just speaking here but you don’t know the truth. You are busy bashing me for joining Sonko’s defense team. Let me tell you…the first responsibility of the Senate is not oversight. It is to protect devolution. Go and read Article 96 of the Constitution,” he noted.

During Jamhuri Day celebrations last week, President Kenyatta bashed MPs and Senators practicing law, accusing them of conflict of interest. Other legislators representing Sonko in the case are Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. and Makueni MP Dan Maanzo