Waititu tells those named in fake gold scandal to bear their burden

A section of Jubilee MPs have challenged Raila Odinga to state what he knows about the fake gold scandal.

They said Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i should also explain how the country’s security was protecting the premises with fake gold.

Speaking in Endebess and Saboti Constituencies on Saturday where they accompanied Deputy President William Ruto during the launch of various development projects, the lawmakers at the same time asked Mr Matiang’i to state what he knows about it.

They were Governors Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu), MPs Robert Pukose (Endebess), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Janet Nangabo (Women Rep, Trans Nzoia), Rahab Mukami (Women Rep, Nyeri), Mathias Robi (Kuria West), Janet Jepkemboi (Turbo), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon) and Owen Baya (Kilifi North).

Mr Waititu told those named in the scandal not to drag President Uhuru Kenyatta into their mess, saying they should bear their own burden.

“They should return the money they falsely obtained from the deal,” he said.

Mr Waititu said he was suspicious with Mr Odinga whose record of cleanness was questionable.

The Kiambu Governor regretted that the Opposition Chief would afford to lecture some leaders on corruption “while he was busy swindling others of their money”.

Dr Ruto also called on the Opposition to leave the President’s name out of their illegal gold business.

“I tell our brothers in the Opposition not to import their bad habits to Jubilee; they should shun engaging in dirty deals, corruption and coning others,” said the Deputy President.

He said “these people who are political conmen turned business conmen should carry their cross alone”.

Ms Jumwa called on the Interior Cabinet Secretary to step aside over the scandal.

“How can you use General Service Unit to safeguard the home of those involved in the criminal activity?” She posed.

The Malindi MP said the Parliamentary Security Committee will summon Mr Matiang’i to explain to the country the extend of his involvement in the fake gold scandal.

“If he (Mr Matiang’i) would purport to tell the Committee that he does not know what the security details were doing at that home, the he does not deserve to be in-charge of the internal security docket.”

While echoing Ms Jumwa’s position, Mr Baya said Kenya’s safety and ability to trade internationally was being undermined when those in charge of security were the ones being mentioned in scandals.

“You cannot be the one calling for investigation while you have been implicated in the same scandal,” he added.

Mr Pukose asked the Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho to be accountable.

“We cannot have someone in-charge of internal security mentioned in the gold scandal. He must step aside to pave way for investigations,” said the Endebess MP.

Meanwhile, Trans-Nzoia Governor lauded Jubilee development record, citing record-breaking road construction in the county.

“I urge Kenyans to join Jubilee Party that is uniting Kenyans and addressing their development needs,” he explained.