Hours after reports emerged that a BBI consultative meeting in Eldoret town had been disrupted by rowdy youths, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos has come out to rubbish the reports.
Speaking on Monday evening after successfully engaging residents of Eldoret town, the governor dismissed reports going round on social media that their meeting had earlier been disrupted by the youths who had stormed the venue flashing out all the members.
Tolgos, instead assured President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that the Rift Valley residents were fully in support of the initiative as opposed to what some people were insinuating.
“We have had a fruitful meeting. This was just a curtain-raiser to the main oncoming event. I want to also dismiss the rumours going round that the meeting was disrupted and that some of us have been injured and in hospital. Those are just rumours. We had around 300 people attending the meeting,” stated Tolgos.
The meeting which was held at Highlands Inn hotel in Eldoret was attended by among other leaders, Moiben MP Silas Tiren, and ODM point man in Eldoret, Kipkorir Arap Menjo who is also the Director at the Kenya Farmers Association.
It is while at the function that the anti-Ruto governor announced that the Rift Valley BBI consultative meeting slated for 16th February 2020 in Eldoret, had been moved to Nakuru County.
Governor Tolgos dismisses claims that the BBI consultative meeting in Eldoret was disrupted, says North Rift region will support the initiative 100%
Posted by Northrift News on Monday, 3 February 2020
Without stating further reasons for the decision, Tolgos communicated that his team will transverse all the North rift counties, collecting views from the grassroots which he said will be presented by the leaders on 22nd February.
Tolgos further stated that discussions are still ongoing and they will decide on whether to hold another BBI rally in Eldoret or just go with the Nakuru one.
He insisted that they will not be stopped or threatened by anybody from carrying on with the consultative meetings.
“Nobody can stop me from holding a rally in Eldoret. BBI is about people issues not politicians,” said Tolgos.
He further dismissed claims that he is fighting Ruto saying; “I believe what the President is advocating for is what Ruto is supporting. My only issue with Ruto is 2022 politics because for now, I don’t have any presidential candidate.”
Tolgos’ clarifications came after reports emerged earlier in the day claiming that the governor together with a portion of Kieleweke leaders had been forced to run for their dear lives after their meeting was disrupted by rowdy youths.