Ruto Calls for the Release of Youths Arrested for Heckling Him in Kisii

Deputy President William Ruto has asked police to release the four youths who were arrested on Wednesday for heckling him.

Ruto was jeered by rowdy youths at Itibo market during his tour of Kisii County to popularize his bottom-up economic plan ahead of the 2022 general elections.

In a lengthy Facebook post on Wednesday evening, the deputy president called for the release of the youths and urged police to go after the hecklers’ masters.

“…we tell the law enforcers that as long as they are not going to charge the sponsors of these primitive activities, the young people should be spared from the unnecessary harassment and prosecution. Release the youth,” he stated.

Ruto says his political rivals should focus on selling their agenda to Kenyans instead of hiring youths to disrupt his meetings.

“I call on the youth to shun divisive activities and political errands aimed at further marginalizing them and setting them up for blame and sanction.”

“It is no surprise that those driving exclusive top-down model of governance find no place for youth, except to deploy them on retrogressive errands as witnessed in some of our meetings including today's successful tour of Kisii County,” Ruto added.

Sameta OCPD Benjamin Rotich said the suspects will be arraigned in court on Thursday to face charges.