MIGORI, Kenya — President William Ruto has intensified his criticism of the United Opposition, accusing its leaders of capitalising on former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju’s recent ordeal to advance their political agendas.
Speaking during a roadside rally in Migori on Tuesday, Ruto said opposition figures were misguiding Tuju at a time when he is embroiled in a contentious legal battle over his properties.
“Tuju needs honest friends and advisers. They told him to go and hide in his bedroom and lie that he has been abducted. He does not need scavengers who are riding on his misfortune. They are seeking prominence from Tuju,” Ruto said.
The President insisted that Tuju should focus on securing his assets rather than entertaining the advice of political opportunists. “We want Tuju to be advised so that he can secure his property and move forward. He does not need those people,” he added.
Ruto further dismissed the opposition’s capacity to govern, describing their political relevance as hollow. “We do not have an opposition in Kenya. Their future is hollow, empty and sterile. These people cannot lead Kenya. And we are going to expose them,” he said.
The remarks come amid legal proceedings surrounding Tuju, who was arrested on Monday after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concluded that he had staged his abduction on March 21.
DCI reports indicate that Tuju remained at his residence while sparking widespread public concern.
The former minister is expected to face charges of giving false information to a public officer, contrary to Section 129(a) of the Penal Code.
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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved the charges, and Tuju is poised for arraignment.
Tuju has applied to the High Court for anticipatory bail, citing continuous harassment and threats from law enforcement agencies.
In an ex parte application, he alleges that unmarked vehicles trailed him on March 21, forcing him to abandon his car and seek refuge in a secure location.
He later reported to Karen Police Station to record a statement, but claims he was manhandled by officers, aggravating injuries sustained in previous accidents.
Tuju was transferred to Karen Hospital on Tuesday morning, where he remains under police guard despite not having been formally charged.
