- The Wiper leader said everyone has the right to life and security, urged state not to cross red line.
- The leaders also criticised the DP for what they termed his lone-ranger brand of politics.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has defended Deputy President William Ruto and criticised the government following its downgrading of his security.
The former Vice President told a church service on Sunday that security and right to life are non-negotiable and the government should do everything to ensure all Kenyans is secured.
"Everybody is guaranteed security and the right to life is non-negotiable. Let us not cross the red line," Kalonzo said.+952
The downgrading was seen by many as punitive and political as Ruto is running for President and seen to be fighting the government.
Kalonzo's own security was withdrawn when he attended ODM leader Raila Odinga's swearing-in as the people's president.
He added, "As a nation we cannot go back to the days when we hear of political assassinations."
Kalonzo who was speaking at Redeemed Gospel Church, Pipeline, also chided the DP over a 2018 remark he made when Cord was protesting against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The Wiper leader recalled how Ruto visited his Ukambani backyard and told residents he saw the ex-VP sitting on the tarmac.
"One time during a mock swearing-in, our security were all withdrawn and we were holding demonstrations against the IEBC
"When Ruto visited my backyard, he was telling them he saw me last sitting on the tarmac. My Brother (Ruto), welcome to Kenya," he said.
Last week, Administration Police Service officers took over guarding Ruto's residences following the withdrawal of the elite General Service Unit.
The GSU officers also left Ruto's rural home in Sugoi, Eldoret town, his residence at Elgon View and his official Karen residence in Nairobi.
The office of the Police IG on Friday called the changeover normal but Ruto's communication secretary David Mugonyi said the state was undermining the DP's safety.
Kalonzo also drummed up support for Oka, saying the new outfit will unite Kenyans and ensures the country does not disintegrate into the electoral chaoswas witnessed in 2007.
The One Kenya Alliance brings together the Wiper leader, Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) and Gideon Moi (Kanu).
“It is no longer a secret that we are out take over the leadership of the country. We will never go back to the events of 2007 when our country was very close to joining the leagues of failed African countries," Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader was accompanied by Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) and Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central).
Mawathe said OKA will not back any candidate outside of the alliance, saying any aspirant seeking support of the team must first join the alliance.
“We have come together in a bigger alliance to unite Kenya, we are welcoming everyone, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, to join us as we unite Kenya,” he said.
The leaders also criticized the DP for what they termed his lone-ranger brand of politics.
Mulyungi said Kenyan politics has no room for lone rangers, insisting that leaders must come together and form coalitions that unite the country.
“We want Kenyans to be united, we want leaders who unite people and not lone rangers, ” the MP said.
(Edited by V. Graham)