Court gives Ruto 5 days to respond to suit seeking his removal as DP
Maumau war veterans who have sued Deputy President William Ruto for allegedly abandoning his official duties.
The High Court has directed Deputy President William Ruto to file a response within five days in a lawsuit seeking his removal from office.
Justice Hedwig Ong’udi has fixed the case filed by Mau Mau war veterans for hearing on May 19.
When the case came up for direction on Thursday, Justice Ong’udi was informed by the petitioners through Michael Kariuki Kirungia that the DP acknowledged receipt of the suit papers.
The war veterans want the court to remove Dr Ruto from office over claims that he has abandoned the government and has since joined another political formation -- the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
They also want the court to bar Dr Ruto from using state resources in his presidential campaigns.
The petitioners also want the DP evicted from the Karen residence.
In the suit filed as urgent, the veterans claim the DP has abdicated his Constitutional roles as the principal assistant of the President and embarked on “self-assigned duties”.
Dr Ruto is accused of violating Article 147 (1) (2) of the Constitution by failing to discharge his roles as the deputy president.
The petitioners further say that Dr Ruto has committed a crime under the Oaths and Statutory Declaration Act Cap 15 (II) laws of Kenya.
He is further accused of violating Article 148 (5) under the National Oaths and Affirmations Third Schedule.
