Editor's Review

"It is quite disturbing to hear a whole President threatening investors in Kenya."

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has slammed President William Ruto over his remarks on fighting corrupt cartels frustrating the sugar sector.

In a statement read by Senate Minority leader Stewart Madzayo on Tuesday, August 29, the opposition claimed that President William Ruto's remarks threatened investors who do not support him.

"It is quite disturbing to hear a whole President threatening investors in Kenya by claiming that they will be arrested, deported or taken to heaven. What message is the President sending to investors who are not explicitly supporting him? Does it mean that if your political views differ with the president then you risk falling short of your rights,” Mazdayo posed.

File image of President William Ruto.

The opposition pointed out that there are better ways of dealing with cartels than threatening them.

“Even though Mr. Rai is being accused of frustrating the revival of sugar industry there are better ways to address this other than the president of a democratic country issuing roadside threats,” Azimio added.

The Raila Odinga-led coalition further said it would wait for a proposal to revive the sugar sector to be tabled in Parliament.

President Ruto on Monday while on a tour of Western Kenya vowed to deal decisively with the corrupt saying he will not hesitate to deal with those who embezzle state funds.

"Mtu yeyote ambaye anapanga kuiba pesa ya Serikali, tafadhali tafuta nchi nyingine. Mimi nimewaambia hawa wakora wote, matapeli na wezi kwamba mambo yao ni matatu; either wahame Kenya, waende jela ama waende Mbinguni," Ruto said.