Azimio leader Raila Odinga has slammed President William Ruto over the ongoing Shakahola massacre investigation.
In a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation shortly after the national celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Raila slammed Ruto’s plans to establish a judicial tribunal to investigate the massacre that shocked the country.
According to the opposition leader, the president does not have such powers under the new constitution; only parliament, with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), can form such a tribunal.
“Only parliament can establish a subordinate court or a tribunal through an act of parliament. Only parliament can determine the jurisdiction of a court or independent tribunal,” Raila said.
The Azimio leader went on to accuse the President of being complicit in the horror in Shakahola and demanding answers from Kenyans.
Raila claimed that Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and their spouses were associates of the Shakahola massacre cultic pastors, and that State House has now been converted into a Shakahola annexe.
“In the matter of Shakahola and the growth of cult activities in the nation, Ruto is as much a suspect as is all the cult pastors of Shakahola and beyond. He owes the people of Kenya an explanation before he purports to be trying to solve the problem,” Raila added.
He went on to mention instances in which the president, his deputy, and their spouses defended the Christian faith and were involved with the church before and after Ruto was elected.
Raila also accused President Ruto of failing to live up to the expectations of Kenyan workers as the world marked Labour Day.
Raila said Kenyan workers were expecting good news from the President but none was forthcoming.
“One expected workers would have gotten something, unfortunately, nothing has happened to them. This was because of lack of conscience of those who have the responsibility to manage affairs of the country,” Raila said.
He noted that the day was very important internationally since workers commemorate the struggles they have gone through to improve their pay and working conditions.
The day was marked amid impending Azimio mass protests on Tuesday against the high cost of living even as the government issued a stern warning against the same.
“There is a serious distress among workers in Kenya. I congratulate all Kenyan workers for their resilience and endurance. I want to urge them to continue to unite,” Raila said.
