Kenya Insights

Tag: Tiaty Mp William Kamket

  • If The Ballot Box Does Not Fill Up, We Will Add; Tiaty MP Kamket Vows To Ensure Ruto Wins 2027

    If The Ballot Box Does Not Fill Up, We Will Add; Tiaty MP Kamket Vows To Ensure Ruto Wins 2027

    Tiaty MP William Kamket has ignited fresh concerns about electoral integrity after making controversial statements about President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid during a traditional ceremony on Saturday.

    Speaking at a dowry ceremony for the children of Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang and businessman David Langat, Kamket declared his unwavering commitment to securing Ruto’s victory alongside Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi.

    “Oscar and I say harsh things. He says if the ballot box does not fill up, we will add. I say it in another way, but we say the same thing. If the votes are not enough, we will ensure that they are enough, whatever comes may,” Kamket stated boldly.

    The remarks drew immediate attention when Sudi took the microphone to clarify their position, emphasizing their goal was to fill ballot boxes “with votes, nothing else.”

    However, the damage to public perception appeared already done, with the statements echoing similar controversial comments made recently by other Kenya Kwanza allies.

    Kamket’s declaration comes just days after Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow sparked outrage by claiming they would “steal votes” in 2027 to guarantee Ruto’s second term.

    Her statement prompted swift condemnation from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which termed such remarks “reckless and unacceptable.”

    The IEBC reassured Kenyans of its commitment to conducting transparent elections, stating that “statements suggesting election malpractice undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions.”

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also warned political leaders against making careless statements that could erode public trust in electoral processes.

    These incidents have reignited debates about the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election, with critics questioning whether such statements represent genuine intentions or mere political rhetoric designed to energize supporters.

    The controversial remarks underscore growing tensions surrounding the upcoming polls and highlight the delicate balance between political campaigning and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.

  • Tiaty MP William Kamket Justifies State Abductions of Ruto Critics, Warns Against “Ruto Must Go” Chants

    Tiaty MP William Kamket Justifies State Abductions of Ruto Critics, Warns Against “Ruto Must Go” Chants

    In a controversial statement, Tiaty MP William Kamket has defended the recent abductions and arrests of critics of President William Ruto’s administration.

    Speaking in his home county of Baringo on Friday, February 7, 2025, Kamket described these actions as necessary consequences for those attempting to destabilize the government.

    Kamket’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is grappling with a surge in reported abductions, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) noting 82 cases since June 2024, of which 29 individuals remain unaccounted for.

    “When you say that Ruto must go and you want to use unconstitutional means, what do you expect from the state? You expect what we call reprisals and repercussions,” Kamket declared.

    He further minimized the public outcry over these incidents as “little noises,” suggesting they are the natural outcome of opposition to the government.

    The MP’s justification has sparked a significant backlash but also highlights the polarizing political climate in Kenya. Opposition to President Ruto has been vocal, with chants like “Ruto Must Go” becoming common at protests and on social media platforms.

    However, Kamket warns that such expressions of dissent come with a price if they verge on what he deems unconstitutional.

    Contrasting views within Ruto’s administration have also surfaced. Sirisia MP John Waluke, speaking in Kabuchai, Bungoma County on January 3, outright rejected the notion of state-sponsored abductions, labeling them as mere propaganda aimed at discrediting the government. “There is nothing like abductions. This is propaganda aimed at tarnishing the name of the government, our country, and your name as the President,” Waluke asserted.

    Similarly, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, on December 31, provided a different perspective, suggesting that some claims of abductions might be fabricated. He accused some individuals of staging their disappearances to garner sympathy or to make political statements, saying, “I’m seeing some people go and lock themselves in Airbnbs with their girlfriends for three days and say they have been abducted.”

    Ichung’wah emphasized the legal framework for dealing with social media misuse, referencing the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, which provides for arrest and charge rather than abduction. “The government of Kenya has no business abducting anybody on the basis of what they say on social media,” he stated, advocating for adherence to legal processes over extrajudicial actions.

    These statements from Kamket, Waluke, and Ichung’wah illustrate a divided approach within the government on how to handle dissent and criticism. While some defend the actions as necessary to maintain order, others dismiss the allegations as fabrications or call for legal rather than forceful responses.

    The debate over these tactics and the validity of the claims of abductions continues to stir public discourse in Kenya, raising questions about human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law under President Ruto’s leadership.

  • Tiaty MP’s links to Laikipia skirmishes

    Tiaty MP’s links to Laikipia skirmishes

    Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Tiaty MP William Kamket and driven him to Nakuru where he will be interrogated over his role in plotting the deadly skirmishes currently being witnessed in Laikipia and Baringo counties.

    Baringo County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa confirmed the arrest of the controversial law maker who will answer to charges of incitement regarding the chaos being witnessed in Laikipia which has been invaded by dangerously armed herders who come from his constituency.

    “Today, we have arrested Tiaty MP where the herders come from. Those herders are the people who have been employed to look after the animals for prominent people, the MP being included ……So we arrested the MP to come and answer the charges of incitement and clashes in regard to what has been going on in Laikipia and Baringo.” Ndiwa said.

    Ndiwa also said that the police has launched an operation but they are facing heavy resistance from the armed herders who are leading the banditry attacks which have claimed ten eights lives.

    According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya the bandits killed five civilians and three police officers who deployed to enforce security in Laikipia. Natembeya who spoke on Wednesday claimed that the deaths occurred before the security operation began on Tuesday as public raised complaints that police only came after one of their own was killed.

    The state is making efforts to neutralize the armed herders who have invaded the region. National Security Council also sat and declared Laikipia a disturbed and a security operation area, just two days after the National Security Advisory Committee held a meeting.

    The gang which is on a killing spree invaded private ranches in Laikipia last weekend and torched more than 40 homes in the area. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i who weighed in on the matter said an operation will also be conducted at the Laikipia Nature Conservancy as he declared a dusk to dawn curfew in the area.

    Locals with animals grazing in the ranches were given two days to remove them as officials accused politicians like Kamket, a judge, senior military officer, and police officers of illegally moving livestock into Laikipia conservancy.