Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has cleared opposition leader Raila Odinga from allegations of lending a hand in the ongoing Mau Forest evictions.
This follows recent allegations from Elgeyo Marakwet Senator and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, insinuating that the former Prime Minister is part of the condemned operation.
Speaking in Narok on Thursday, Murkomen claimed that the eviction is heavily influenced by recent entrants in the government, indirectly pointing at Odinga’s group courtesy of his March 9 truce with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
But speaking on Radio Jambo on Monday, Cheruiyot who has also openly opposed the operation sought to defend his counterpart, maintaining that Murkomen’s remarks were not directed at the veteran politician.
‘’Murkomen na sisi sote tunamheshimu sana Raila kama kiongozi na hatuwezi kumhusisha na mambo hayo. Pia yeye sio kati ya wakora waliotajwa (We respect Raila. The allegations were not aimed at him),’’ said the Senator.
‘’Tunaposema watu waliingia serikalini kupitia dirisha hatumaanishi Raila. Yeye bado yuko katika upinzani. (Raila has not joined the government, he is still part of the opposition),’’ he noted.
In his revelation, Murkomen claimed that the eviction is aimed at victimising Deputy President William Ruto who is warming up for his 2022 shot at the Presidency.
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