Martha Karua has reacted to controversial statement on the ceremonial sword that was issued by president William Ruto.
Taking to X, Karua wondered if Ruto meant that the sword is meant for taking away lives of those who are opposing his policies.
“When Ruto castigates people going to court on his punitive policies and says the sword he was given is not for cutting vegetables , is he implying that it is for cutting/killing people ? Sort of reminding us what he was is capable of ?” she said on X.
On Saturday, while speaking in a Thanksgiving function in Kisii, Ruto said that the sword, that was handed to him by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, is meant for dealing with those who want to derail his agendas.
“Si mnajua nilipewa sword. Kwani mnafikiri hiyo sword ni ya kukata mboga? Si ni ya kufyeka wakora hapa? Nitawafyeka kabisa, Kenya itasonga mbele,” he said.
Many have strongly condemned his remarks, terming them as intimidation.
LSK president Eric Theuri also sought to explain the functions of the ceremonial sword. He further said that advocates will not be intimidated by the remarks
“Alongside the sword, the President was given the Constitution. The sword is intended to protect & uphold the Constitution& is not an instrument of oppression. As advocates, we similarly took an oath to protect the Constitution & rule of law.
“We will do so candidly, boldly & won’t be threatened or intimidated from challenging any government decision that offends the Constitution. The Constitution of Kenya is our sword & we will swing it against impunity,” he wrote.
