Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party leader Raila Odinga has slammed President William Ruto’s response to the Shakahola massacre.
In a statement release on Monday, Raila criticized Ruto for his plans to establish a judicial tribunal to investigate the shocking incident.
According to Raila Odinga, the president lacks the authority to create such a tribunal under the new constitution. Instead, he argues that only parliament with the guidance of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), can form such a body.
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“Only parliament can establish a subordinate court or a tribunal through an act of parliament. Only parliament can determine the jurisdiction of a court or independent tribunal,” Odinga quoted the constitution while criticising Ruto.
He further accused the President of complicity in the Shakahola massacre, demanding that he provide answers to the Kenyan people.
He pointed an accusing finger at Ruto, his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and their spouses, alleging that they were associated with the cultic pastors responsible for the horrific incident.
Odina also claimed that State House had become a “Shakahola annexe.” suggesting that the president was not doing enough to address the situation.
“In the matter of Shakahola and the growth of cult activities in the nation, Ruto is as much a suspect as is all the cult pastors of Shakahola and beyond. He owes the people of Kenya an explanation before he purports to be trying to solve the problem,” Odinga added.
He highlighted instances where both President Ruto and his deputy had associated with the christian faith and defended it before and after assuming office.
The Shakahola massacre, which has shocked the country, has been attributed to cultist preacher Paul Mackenzie, after mass graves containing over 110 bodies were discovered on his land.
Mackenzie is currently in custody awaiting further investigations and exhumation of more bodies.
His accomplice, Pastor Ezekiel Odero, was also arrested in Kilifi County after being linked to deaths in his church in Mavueni.
