Deputy President William Ruto's allies have accused his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, of tactically planning to delay the transfer of power as the country prepares to vote in a new regime.
Garissa Township Member of Parliament, Aden Duale, claimed that Uhuru was taking his time to appoint the Secretary to the Cabinet, a public servant tasked with coordinating the transition plan.
Speaking to The Nation on Tuesday, April 26, Duale alleged that Uhuru has intentionally refused to fill the post that should be occupied by an individual tasked with leading a committee that will plan the assumption of office by the next president.
The Secretary to the Cabinet is also charged with the responsibility of briefing the president-elect on the progress of the previous government.
“There are only four weeks left - for him to appoint the officeholder.
“The challenge is that the National Assembly is on a break and resumes in May and it will be expected to vet the nominee,” Duale stated.
He further explained that only the President is mandated by the Constitution to appoint the Secretary to the Cabinet upon successful vetting by Parliament.
Other members of the committee include the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General, among others.
Allies of the DP have in the past accused the majority of the committee members of siding with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party presidential aspirant, Raila Odinga.
Ruto, while speaking in the US last month, alleged a plan to rig the August polls, a claim his allies have propagated throughout the campaigns.
“The biggest issue that is on the ballot is the democracy of our nation and whether we truly have the opportunity to make free choices devoid of blackmail, threats, and intimidation. That's the matter that is on the ballot," Ruto stated at the time.
Uhuru, on the other hand, insisted that he would not hand over the government to thieves when he retires in August. Pundits interpreted his remarks as a thinly veiled attack on Ruto and his confidants.
"My aim is to ensure that all who will take from me will not be thieves and harass citizens. My aim is to make sure that they will have the urge to unite the country.
“Tell those who are insulting me, I do not care. My purpose is to serve Kenyans. I will ensure I fulfil my promise to them," declared Uhuru as he, later on, endorsed Raila Odinga as his preferred successor.
Uhuru and Ruto’s recent rivalry played out during the public viewing of the late President Mwai Kibaki’s body at Parliament. The President shook hands with Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, and instead bowed when he met the DP.
Ruto's allies cried foul, alleging that the President was openly showcasing his dislike for Ruto, and further questioned if he would hand over power to the DP, in case he trounces Raila.
