Leaders say Kalonzo Musyoka is in the clear

Cord leaders on Tuesday defended Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka against claims that he grabbed National Youth Service (NYS) land at Yatta in Machakos County.

In a statement read by Nominated Senator Judith Sijeny at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, they accused the government of launching a “witch hunt” to silence critics.

Accompanied by seven Ukambani MPs, Ms Sijeny asked why the allegations were only being brought up now.

“The government wants to suppress weighty matters at the NYS, particularly on procurement and recruitment, as they militarise youth,” she claimed.

Kilome MP Regina Ndambuki said Jubilee made the allegations after the former Vice-President raised the red flag over graft allegations at the NYS.

“We will not keep quiet on graft. Mr Kalonzo bought the land 10 years ago and the records are available,” the MP said, and referred the media to the Lands ministry when asked to produce the documents.

LAND SCANDAL

She said the government should be investigating the Sh8 billion Karen land scandal in Nairobi and how Weston Hotel, in which Deputy President William Ruto has admitted owning shares, was acquired.

She said Kenyans should also be told how some families came to own huge tracts of land.

National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze said respected leaders should not be mentioned without evidence of wrongdoing.

“We oppose land grabbing, but we want fairness. Mr Kalonzo is one of the cleanest politicians around. Why drag his name in the mud?” said Mr Nyenze.

He also said the NYS should be removed from the region as it did not benefit the Kamba community. “If it is being used to bring chaos, then it is not welcome. We don’t see its value. The land should be given to poor farmers,” he said.