A video has emerged online of Deputy President William Ruto making remarks that many Kenyans have termed as hateful while others have defended him.
The clip is from a fundraiser that the DP had attended at Kamahuha Girls High School in Murang'a County on April 3, 2019.
In the video, Ruto seems to be taking shots at former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who has found himself fighting allegations of trying to break up the Jubilee Party.
"Kwani hawa watu saa hii wanatuambia story mingi kwani sisi hatuwajui. Si tunawajua, ni watu wa kubomoa. Kama hawabomoi chama wanabomoa nyumba. Kama hawabomoi nyumba wanang'oa reli, kama hawang'oi reli wanatenganisha marafiki.
(These people are talking too much yet we know them very well. They are disastrous. When they aren't destroying parties they are demolishing houses. If not that, they are uprooting railways. If not that, they are breaking friendships). We are entertaining them for what purpose?" Ruto stated.
Though Ruto did not mention Odinga's name, many believe the descriptions fit the former PM and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino thought the remarks were aimed at the Luo community at large.
The MP posted the video with the caption, "But why would DP Ruto hold so much hate against a whole community? Wan kaka Luos OK wabosecho kendo ngato ok bo bwogowa gi thuol mothoo (We as Luos will not plead with anyone. Stop threatening us)!!!"
The remarks have sparked debate amongst many Kenyans with some taking offense with Ruto and others claiming the DP was being taken out of context.
In the past, Raila has led demonstrations that ended up with his supporters, many who are from his community, uprooting the railway that runs through Kibera.
When Raila was Minister for Roads in former President Mwai Kibaki's government, he ordered the demolition of building and structures that were on road reserves.
