The suspension of William Ruto as Minister for Agriculture was a significant event in Kenyan politics, orchestrated by then-Prime Minister Raila Odinga in February 2010. Here's what happened: *The Suspension*: Raila Odinga, in his capacity as Prime Minister, announced the suspension of William Ruto and Education Minister Samuel Ongeri due to corruption allegations. Odinga cited a forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on the maize scandal and the Report of the Internal Auditor General on Free Primary Education as the basis for his decision ¹. *Ruto's Response*: Ruto quickly dismissed the suspension, asserting that Odinga lacked the authority to suspend him. He argued that only President Mwai Kibaki, the appointing authority, could take such action. Ruto emphasized that he would continue serving as Minister for Agriculture until he received official communication from the President ². *Presidential Intervention*: President Kibaki swiftly responded, stating that Odinga's suspension of Ruto and Ongeri was not valid due to lack of consultation. The President clarified that the duo remained in their positions, and their suspension would only be valid if he confirmed it. *The Maize Scandal*: The controversy surrounding Ruto's suspension centered on a maize scandal involving the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). The government had planned to import maize from South Africa to alleviate hunger, but some individuals allegedly exploited the system, buying maize from NCPB at Sh1,500 per 90kg bag and selling it to millers at Sh2,800 per bag. This led to public outcry and calls for accountability ². *Aftermath*: Although the suspension was short-lived, with Ruto and Ongeri eventually returning to their roles, it marked a significant moment in the complex relationship between Ruto and Odinga. The two politicians have had a tumultuous history, with periods of alliance and rivalry shaping Kenyan politics. In the years following the suspension, Ruto continued to play a prominent role in Kenyan politics, eventually becoming Deputy President in 2013 and later President in 2022. The incident, however, highlights the ongoing struggles with corruption and governance in Kenya's political landscape.#Kenya #debunkingruto - @information_254