Deputy President William Ruto is currently a man standing on a hot ground after it emerged that he is facing a fresh revolt in his Rift Valley backyard which threatens to crush his 2022 presidential ambitions.
Three camps including Ruto’s loyalists, hard critics and the neutral group have emerged in the region. The loyalists include the likes of Kipchumba Murkomen, Caleb Kositany and the company. These are the group who are considered Ruto’s insiders and are always ever ready to counter any attacks aimed at the region’s king pin.
Many other leaders have opted to take a neutral stand in what has alarmed Ruto’s inner circle. Among those who have retreated from Ruto’s activities is the vocal Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago.
Other neutrals are Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar, Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei, Aibkoi MP William Chepkut and Kesses MP Swarrup Mishra.
Tellingly, Ruto’s rural MP Janet Koech (Independent) has remained aloof in local politics.
Jubilee candidate in the area during the last elections Kevin Okwara has also jumped ship from Jubilee, blaming the DP and his allies of “snatching” his victory just because he is not from the area.
“I wonder how the DP will convince people in Western to back him come 2022 yet he could not allow my win in Turbo just because I am from Western,” Okwara said.
Some of those disgruntled with the DP blame some of his close associates for displaying “high-level arrogance, dictatorship and cartel-like tendencies” that have frustrated other leaders. Soy MP Caleb Kostany, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Ruto’s powerful aide Farouk Kibet are among those who have been blamed.
The three have denied the accusations.
On the other hand, those who have openly come out to criticise William Ruto include Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, Moiben’s Silas Tiren, Nandi Hills Alfred Ketter, Baringo senator Gideon Moi, Isaac Rutto and lately businessman Buzeki.
The battle against Ruto is being fashioned around corruption and allegations that farmers in the region have for the first time since independence been impoverished after the Jubilee administration took over.
“Farmers are poorer like most residents and they do not see any benefits of their own at the top in the government,” protested Moiben MP Silas Tiren.
The anti-Ruto brigade also accuses powerful individuals in the ruling party of importing maize to frustrate local farmers and also thwart the government’s subsidies program on fertilizer aimed at helping farmers.
“Out there people think all Kalenjins are corrupt yet it’s just a few individuals engaging in graft and protecting cartels, thus damaging the name of the community,” business tycoon Bundotich Kiprop alias Buzeki told the Star.
The details came to light as it emerged that former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto and Buzeki have finalised a strategy to revamp Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM). CCM, according to the strategy, will team up in an alliance with other parties including Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s Kanu in a bid to whittle down Ruto’s grip on the vote-rich Rift Valley.
Sources said CCM will consider talking with ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula and leaders of other parties to form a new political alliance. In a deliberate effort to lay the ground for the looming political battle, Buzeki, known for a sizeable financial war chest, will on Saturday lead a 500-strong delegation from the North Rift to a meeting with Rutto and CCM officials.
The meeting will take place at the home of the former Bomet county boss three weeks after Buzeki publicly denounced Jubilee.
Buzeki and Rutto have agreed on a political deal that will see the former governor remain the party leader while Buzeki becomes the secretary general.