The opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja’s prominent figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Jeremiah Kioni, are calling for the impeachment of President William Ruto due to alleged violations of the Constitution and defiance of court orders.
They accuse Ruto of disregarding the fundamental law of the land that he swore to uphold upon assuming office.
During a gathering at the Central Nazarene Church on Ngong Road, Eugene Wamalwa highlighted Ruto’s purported disobedience of a court order regarding the deployment of National Police Service officers to Haiti.
Despite the court’s ruling on the matter, Ruto is alleged to have defied the order and expressed intentions to dispatch troops to the unrest-afflicted nation.
“The courts, the church and everyone else have told you to stop sending the troops to Haiti. You have violated the Constitution you swore to protect and disobeyed court orders. These are clear provisions of impeachment,” said Wamalwa.
He went on: “It is unconstitutional, illegal and smack on the face of Kenyans. If the those police officers come back in body bags, we shall hold you responsible.”
Following Wamalwa’s remarks, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo echoed similar sentiments, accusing President Ruto of betraying the electorate and using Kenya for personal gain at the expense of other nations.
Maanzo asserted that there are sufficient grounds for impeachment and urged fellow lawmakers to begin deliberating on the matter.
“It is high time President Ruto is impeached. There are enough grounds to impeach the President. Sending Police officers to a mission in Haiti is blatant violation of rule of law and the constitution. This is unacceptable,” said Maanzo.
This even as the Azimio leaders questioned the amount spent on the recent US trip.
Kalonzo, Kioni and Wamalwa challenged President Ruto to make public the amount tax payers spent in his trip, and what US will get in return.
Kalonzo asked President Ruto to explain to Kenyans what US government is going to gain as part of their contributions made to the country.
“We cannot copy everything from US. What will be security implications on Kenya following President Ruto’s US visit?” posed Kalonzo.
He went on: “Kenyans need to be told what the US government is going to gain in return for the goodies sent to us? We must be told the truth.”
Kioni criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for what he perceived as wasteful spending, suggesting that the reported expenditure of Sh200 million by President Ruto might actually be higher.
He argued that utilizing commercial flights would have been a more cost-effective option compared to chartering private jets, highlighting concerns over the potential additional costs incurred by the entourage that visited the White House.
“We have also boarded planes and traveled around the world. It is not true that it is cheaper to use commercial flights than hiring a jet. Kenyans deserve some respect and to know the truth,” said Kioni.
This is after President Ruto through his X account said that using a hired jet was cheaper than using commercial flights.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than traveling on KQ,” said President Ruto.
“Truly happy to be back home after a successful visit to the USA. God’s favour was present, real, and evident. Our hosts were generous and considerate. We got what we planned for and more. I thank all Kenyans for the privilege to lead and for prayers, goodwill, and support. Baraka.”
Kioni at the same time castigated Kenya Kwanza for making the lives of Kenyans difficult by adding more taxes especially through the Finance Bill in 2023 and 2024.
