Minority Leader John Mbadi calls for Deputy President William Ruto to surrender Weston Hotel

Mbadi goes after Ruto following confession on Weston hotel

Mark Mwithaga

February 13, 2019 9:24 AM

It is time for you to stop ignoring the matter

Minority Leader John Mbadi

Minority Leader of Parliament John Mbadi on Tuesday called for Deputy President William Ruto to surrender Weston hotel after his confession over the illegal purchase of the building.

Mbadi stated that Ruto should stop ignoring the matter and do what is right.

File image of Deputy President William Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

"Ruto should stop feigning ignorance about the matter. Anybody acquiring a property are required to carry out due diligence.

“His admission confirms the kind of person he is. He should surrender the property as a matter of principle,” remarked Mbadi.

The DP had stated that the infrastructure was built on land that was illegally grabbed from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) which is a government firm.

Godfrey Osotsi who is a Nominated MP, pointed out that the admission by Ruto had raised questions on whether the DP had other properties acquired in a similar manner.

"The confession by the DP is a positive step, but he should now hand it over to the Government to demonstrate good faith and integrity.

"But again, why did he have to take this long to make the confession? How many other properties in his possession were acquired in a similar manner? How many other leaders are enjoying illicit properties which they haven't declared? In other jurisdictions, Chapter 6 (on leadership and integrity) would have been invoked," stated Osotsi.

Ruto comes out clean

Ruto had disclosed the matter surrounding Weston during an interview with BBC Hardtalk.

According to Ruto, he had purchased the land innocently but later learnt that it was bought in the wrong way.

William Ruto on BBC Hardtalk with Stephen Sackur Pulse Live Kenya

“For the record, the National Land Commission has made a finding that Weston Hotel was an innocent purchaser for value from somebody who got it illegally and reparations have been made constitutionally to restore the land to KCAA, by requiring those who sold the land to us to pay the civil aviation authority,” remarked the Deputy President.

Veteran journalist Stephen Sackur had further questioned Ruto over claims that he was the most corrupt person according to views of Kenyans.

Mark Mwithaga