Deputy President William Ruto has threatened to sue former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo for trying to link him to the killing of controversial businessman Jacob Juma.
Ruto's legal adviser Korir Sing’oei yesterday told the Star they were reviewing Jirongo's comments yesterday during the memorial for Juma at All Saints' Cathedral in Nairobi.
He was killed with an AK-47 seven days ago.
Lugari once was a close Ruto ally.
The DP will take legal action against those "that perpetuate the dissemination, publication or circulation of this narrative," Sing'oei told the Star.
"Mr Jirongo made two statements of concern: First, he stated the killers of
Meshack Yebei, a prospective defence witness at the just-concluded trial of the Deputy President at the ICC, were the same persons who killed Jacob Juma. Second, he stated, “Juma slapped Ruto. That’s is where the problem started and investigations should start there,"
Sing’oei said.
He added: "Taken together, Hon Jirongo’s statements carry the patent insinuation Mr Ruto was involved in the deaths of both M. Yebei and Mr Juma. Such a claim against the Deputy President would not only be false, unfounded, malicious, mischievous and without basis in fact, but also serves to malign and besmirch the character of the Deputy President and lower the reputation of his person and office in the most defamatory and unjustified fashion."
Sing'oei said the DP was "categorical" that he never had any physical contact with Juma and the allegation of slapping could never have arisen.
"Given the potentially defamatory character of the narrative, it follows that parties that perpetuate the dissemination, publication or circulation of this narrative will not escape legal culpability," he warned.
During yesterday's memorial for the anti-corruption crusader with a long list of enemies, Jirongo sensationally claimed Ruto had something to do with the murder.
He claimed Juma had slapped Ruto and said that's where investigations should begin.
"But you cannot ask killers to investigate themselves. The only solution is to kick out this government," Jirongo added.
During the memorial, Cord leader Raila Odinga said he would not record a police statement over Juma's murder, as requested. He and Juma were close and had planned to meet soon.
"The IG has the impudence to ask [Bungoma Senator Moses] Wetang'ula and I to record statements. He can tell that to the parrots and dogs because he knows who killed Juma," Raila said.
Raila has said on several occasions Juma was assassinated by the Jubilee government using Flying Squad officers.
“Jacob spoke of issues of national importance like the NYS and Eurobond scandals. He knew of the dangers ahead but always acted bravely. He died for a worthy cause,” Raila said.
The former Prime Minister said Juma's killers were protected by police.
"This is a hit squad that's well known they should be arrested. Why should we stay in a country lead by killers and thieves?" Raila asked.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said "Juma was killed like a chicken" and had been clear on who wanted to kill him.
Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi said Parliament should investigate the assassination.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula said police IG Joseph Boinett was in the wrong business and his failure to solve Juma's death would be his own downfall.
"There is a systematic coverup and this time round we shall not accept and move on,"
Wetang'ula said during the service.
"I want my brother Musalia Mudavadi to denounce his relationship with Jubilee. I am very sure this was a state-sponsored killing," Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Juma's widow Miriam said: "It's so sad that after he was murdered, nobody came to alert us. It is hurtful...
the way he died... We will not rest until my husband's killers are found."
Juma's nine-year-old son said:"A man is still a man, even if he's dead."
"We know we will meet him in heaven," Juma's 12-year-old daughter said.
A post-mortem showed Juma was killed by two shots to the chest. He had no head wounds.
Juma will be buried tomorrow in Bungoma county.