Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday responded to calls from President Kenyatta’s allies to resign from the government.
In a statement by the DP’s director of communications, Emmanuel Talam, Dr Ruto noted that he would not leave office until a new Deputy President is elected after the August 9 General Election.
“Deputy President is a constitutional office whose term expires when a new holder is elected. Resignation is an act of cowardice,” the DP stated.
Dr. Ruto has been under pressure from the ruling Jubilee party to resign after he was on Tuesday endorsed by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as the party’s presidential candidate.
Members of Parliament allied to the President said that the DP should resign if he is unhappy with the government’s dealings.
“If DP William Ruto is so unhappy with the things that are happening in the Government, he should resign and that is provided for in the constitution. I don't want to doubt his mental capacity but that is also one of the grounds that is available in the constitution for you to resign,” Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee secretary general said.
On Tuesday evening, Jubilee Vice-Chairman David Murathe said that they would soon declare seats of Ruto-allied MPs vacant after they defected to UDA.
“You have defected from the party that sponsored you to Parliament, a vacancy is declared. Whether there will be time or timeline for a by-election available or not,” Murathe remarked.
