- Raila on Saturday termed the remarks as "careless talk" saying such threats and are not good for the country.
- He said the President should not visit people then threaten.
Image: MARTIN OMBIMA
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has slammed President William Ruto over his remarks on sugar cartels.
It follows Ruto's sustained tough talk against sugar cartels whom he told will have to either cease their corrupt ways or leave Kenya, go to jail or go to heaven.
"Mambo ni matatu; hama Kenya, enda jela ama safiri mbinguni," Ruto said.
However, Raila on Saturday termed the remarks as "careless talk" saying such threats and are not good for the country.
He said the President should not visit people then threaten.
"Mtu anakuja alafu anatisha watu anasema ati wewe utahama, nitakuweka jela au utaenda kwa Mungu, hayo ni mazungumzo ya aina gani? he posed.
(Someone comes and tells you you have to leave, he will put you in jail or you will go to heaven. What kind of talk is that?)
"Sasa Kenya hii imekuwa ni yake anakuambia wewe toka na umezaliwa hapa Kenya hii, uhame uende wapi? Hiyo ni utawala wa aina gani hio?" Raila added.
(Has this country now become his that he should tell you to leave yet you were born here, move to where? What type of leadership is that?)
Raila was speaking on Saturday during the burial of former Cotu chairman Rajab Mwondi in Vihiga county.
Raila called on Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli to speak to the President since they are allies.
The President has since maintained his stance on corrupt sugar cartels despite calls to withdraw his remarks.
Following the remarks, Azimio La Umoja coalition, the Law Society of Kenya and Civil Society turned the heat on Ruto terming his remarks as "unfortunate".
But Ruto in a rejoinder told off critics saying sugar cartels do not deserve to be addressed politely.
Azimio lawmakers described Ruto's remarks as a " threat to investors".
Senate majority leader Stewart Madzayo said the remarks by the President amount to a direct threat to life, something he termed unconstitutional.
"It is quite disturbing to hear a whole President threatening investors in Kenya by claiming that they are arrested, deported or taken to heaven," Madzayo said.
"We as Azimio, condemn such utterances made by the President since this a Democratic Country governed by the Rule of Law and the ripple effects of such sentiments cannot be overstated."
LSK, Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission and Haki Africa questioned the government's commitment to upholding the right to life and protection of persons against cruel and inhumane treatment.