Ruto's Planned Western Tour Blocked

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DP William Ruto addresses leaders from Nakuru County at his Karen, Nairobi home on Monday, Aug 24, 2020
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Police have failed to approve Deputy President William Ruto's tour to the Western Kenya region slated for Sunday, October 25.

Confusion has now rocked the planned tour as Ruto was expected to preside over church functions in Mumias and Matungu constituency.

The Deputy President was expected to fundraise for St Leo Catholic Parish at Shianda in Mumias East sub-county and Our Lady of Assumption Indangalasia Parish in Matungu.

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Deputy President William Ruto speaking to a gathering at the Kiritiri Market after a prayer service at the Kiritiri Catholic Church, Mbeere South, Embu County on Sunday 18 October 2020.
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Kakamega County Police Commander Hassan Barua, however, claimed that he is yet to receive applications for the two functions.

"I travelled to Nairobi and I am not aware of any intention to host the Deputy President in Kakamega. Maybe they will notify me when I return," he noted.

Our Lady of Assumption priest Humphrey Makokha revealed that he is yet to get a response from the police after applying for the permit.

This becomes the second time that police have failed to issue an approval of the two fundraisers with the first coming on Sunday, October 11.

The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) from both Shianda in Mumias East and Koyonzo in Matungu cited multiple security and health concerns for blocking the meeting.

The police also directed that no church services will be held in the two churches after failing to issue a permit for the DP's visit.

This comes after the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) laid out rules and regulations as pertaining to public meetings.

A section of DP Ruto's allies including former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Justus Murunga (Matungu) were on Saturday, October 10, teargassed by police officers while addressing the media in Mumias, Kakamega County over the two cancelled rallies.

The trio complained of double standards citing that other political functions were taking place in the country including one held by ODM leader Raila Odinga at his home in Bondo and another in Kisii.

"The fundraiser was supposed to take place in March, but we had to postpone it following the Covid-19 outbreak, and so we applied for a permit on Wednesday. However, it was cancelled," Washialli stated.

The DP allies lamented that police officers were being used to settle political scores in the Country.

An image of Benjamin Washiali
Shinyalu Sub-County Police commander Robert Makau (left) and Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali (right) conversing on Sunday 20 September 2020 in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.
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