‘Ruto accomplices’ exonerate themselves from ICC claim

By Vincent Bartoo and Titus Too

Eldoret, Kenya: Allies of Eldoret North MP William Ruto have denied having played any role in the 2007 post-election violence.

They dismissed claims that they were Ruto’s accomplices in the violence, describing them as “manufactured allegations”.

Former top security personnel listed by ICC prosecution as accomplices said they are innocent and that their names have been unnecessarily dragged into the cases.

Two former security officials distanced themselves from any engagement in violence, arguing they had distinguished careers in the military and could not have soiled them by engaging in criminal acts.

Former army commander Major General (Rtd) Augustine Cheruiyot said their names have been soiled for no apparent reason.

“Those are falsehoods and the truth will come out after the court process. The allegations are a pure fabrications,” Cheruiyot told The Standard on telephone yesterday.

He pointed out that he served as a military officer for over 34 years defending Kenyans and that he could not have perpetrated any violence against them in retirement.

“I was in the military for over 34 years and served as a commander for four years. I cannot engage in any violence against Kenyans whom I protected,” Cheruiyot said.

Cheruiyot who is also campaigning for the post of senate in Nandi said he is confident of his innocence and ready to face any trial over the matter.

Samson Cherambos, a former GSU and presidential escort commandant, said whoever has evidence that he participated in the violence should come out and lay it bare.

“I retired honourably from the service and was even given medals including that of most distinguished officer. I have never been involved in any crime,” said Cherambos.

Cherambos said he would seek legal action, saying that his name had been tarnished with no evidence.

He recalled that a senior Provincial Administrator in Nandi South District called him on claims that he was training a militia group in Nandi South forest prior to the elections.

“He claimed I was training a militia group in the forest but after security personnel went for a search, they only found charcoal burners. The then DCIO and NSIS officers can attest to this,” Cherambos said.

He said that after the elections, two teargas canisters were hurled into his Kobujoi home compound at night, in attacks he related to the allegations against him. “One exploded while the other did not. I discovered that they were government canisters and I took them to a local police station,” he said.  

Jackson Kibor, a Uasin Gishu politician who has also been named as Ruto’s accomplice dismissed the charges as ‘lies’.

Kibor added that he was arrested and spent 10 days in a cell after the violence and was later cleared of any wrong doing by a court.

“I was cleared by the court because nothing wrong against me was established. So, it tells you how cheap these allegations are,” said Kibor.

Isaac Maiyo, Ruto’s former CDF chairman and campaign manager, said his mention as Ruto’s accomplice surprised him.

 “I was a campaign manager for Ruto as a parliamentary candidate and did not participate in presidential campaigns. Ruto won the seat and there was no complaint about it. So,  how could I have instigated violence?” he posed.

Maiyo, who is seeking the Turbo parliamentary seat, dismissed as fabrications any allegation against him.

“This shows they just want to nail anyone who is close to Ruto, condemning all of us as guilty. This goes against the rules of natural justice,” he said.

Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet also told The Standard that the fresh allegations were meant to instill fear among Ruto’s supporters.

He also said those behind the naming of the said accomplices were out to capitalise on the ICC cases.“Those who are fronting our names just want to do business and we know it as a fact. But eventually, the truth will be separated from the lies,” he said.