Ekuru Aukot, leader of the Thirdway Alliance Party, has defended his decision to vote for William Ruto in the last general election, even as he has become one of the president’s staunchest critics.
Aukot addressed the matter during a TV interview on Thursday, October 3, 2024, responding to criticism from Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
Senator Oketch, questioning Aukot’s integrity, challenged the party leader’s stance, saying, “You are vilifying the president, and you voted for him.”
Aukot’s response was swift and unapologetic. “So what? I exercised my right,” he stated, affirming that his past vote should not disqualify him from criticizing the administration.
Pressed by Oketch on whether his judgment was sound when he cast his vote, Aukot doubled down.
“Did you have a right to judgment at that time?” Senator Oketch probed.
“Yes, I did,” he replied, indicating that, at the time, he believed he made a responsible choice as a citizen.
Aukot went further to argue that, in hindsight, it would not have made a difference if he had voted for another candidate, as both the government and opposition have shown themselves to be complicit in the same political dynamics.
“For me I consider myself a very responsible Kenyan citizen, when it comes to voting I will exercise that right regardless.
“And you cannot hold it against me because of who I voted because now the truth of the matter is emerging that… is there any difference between the people in government – Kenya Kwanza and those who have been claiming, masquerading for the longest time as being in opposition? There is none. Because the moment they are given an opportunity to go into government…” Aukot said.
Gachagua’s impeachment
Aukot, known for his fiery rhetoric, also weighed in on the current impeachment efforts targeting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He dismissed the process as a distraction, calling for greater scrutiny of President Ruto instead.
“If there is anybody to be impeached actually it’s the president William Ruto you know. And all these things of Gachagua is diversionary. I have been consistent this is diversionary – the impeachment of Gachagua,” he said.
Aukot’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Kenyans that the line between government and opposition has blurred, with political interests outweighing the pursuit of meaningful change.
For Aukot, his shift from supporter to critic of the regime represents a call for deeper accountability in the country’s leadership, regardless of past allegiances.
