William Ruto Accuses Azimio, LSK Of Defending Cartels: "Wakwende Kabisa"

• President William Ruto said he was shocked that the opposition coalition and the Law Society of Kenya could issue a statement defending corruption
• Ruto said sugar cartels and corrupt individuals should not be addressed politely by anybody as one way of ending graft in the country
• Earlier, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party issued a statement condemning Ruto's remarks on sugar cartels

Kakamega - President William Ruto has blasted the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party and the Law Society of Kenya for allegedly trying to defend sugar cartels in the country.

What Ruto told Azimio leaders on sugar cartels

Speaking in Kakamega on Wednesday, August 30, Ruto hit out at those criticising his harsh statement, which he said was aimed at streamlining the sugar sector.

"People of Azimio and those of the Law Society of Kenya have gone to issue statements to defend thieves and corrupt individuals. They want cartels to continue misappropriating funds meant for Mumias Sugar.

They should forget that. I am socked that anybody in Kenya can defend corruption, can defend wastage of resources," a tough-talking president said.

The president stated that he will not be cowed by media reports castigating his utterances, adding that he will do everything he can to rid the country of corruption.

The head of state told his critics that the Sugar cartels do not deserve to be addressed politely, as they have allegedly impoverished Kenyan farmers.

"We cannot afford to defend what has made Kenya go backwards. We will sort out the entire sugar sector because we are spending a lot of money to import sugar," Ruto added.

Why did Azimio demand an apology from William Ruto

Sentiments by the president come after a section of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders faulted Ruto's threats to stakeholders in the sugar industry.

The leaders were responding to comments made by Ruto in Bungoma on Sunday, August 27, on sugar cartels.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, August 29, and led by Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, he said the ripple effect of the utterances by the head of state could not be assumed.

"We, Azimio condemn such utterances made by the president since this is a democratic country governed by the rule of law, and the ripple effect of such statements cannot be off-stated," Madzayo said.

Madzayo explained that it was unfortunate for the president to threaten investors in the country at a roadside meeting.

"I am enraged by the reckless remarks at a roadside meeting in Bungoma concerning the alleged cartels frustrating the sugar industry. It is quite disturbing to hear that a whole president is threatening investors in Kenya by claiming that they are arrested, deported or taken to heaven," he added.