Deputy President William Ruto has been directed by the High Court to file a response within five days to a petition seeking his removal from office.

The petitioners in the case informed Justice Ong’udi through Michael Kariuki Kirungia that Ruto had acknowledged receipt of the suit papers when the case came up for direction on Thursday.

The Mau Mau war veterans wanted to court to remove Ruto from office on account of ditching the Government and joining another political outfit.

They claimed Ruto has abdicated his Constitutional role as the deputy president and instead engaged in personal duties.

The veterans accused Ruto of violating Article 147 (1) (2) of the Constitution by failing to discharge his roles as the deputy president and Article 148 (5) under the National Oaths and Affirmations Third Schedule.

Ruto has also been accused of committing a crime under the Oaths and Statutory Declaration Act Cap 15 (II) laws of Kenya.

The veterans also want Ruto barred from using state resources in his campaigns and be evicted from the official deputy president’s residence in Karen.

The Mau Mau veterans from the Central region led by Karungia moved to court in March to seek the removal of the DP from office.

They opined that unless the orders are granted; the public is going to suffer irreparable loss and damage.