Expect another defeat in Kericho, critics tell Ruto
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto (right) with People Patriotic Party of Kenya (PPK) Andrew Maritim when he won the Nyangores ward by-election, at Kyogong Primary School. Mr Ruto has formed Mashinani Development Party of Kenya and declared it a replacement for the Deputy President’s United Republican Party. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Ruto has formed Mashinani Development Party of Kenya and declared it a replacement for the Deputy President’s United Republican Party.
The loss by the candidate Deputy President William Ruto supported during the Nyangores Ward by-election has emboldened his critics who have now declared total war against him.
Even worse is the fact the election was won by a candidate who was backed by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, one of the DP’s fiercest critic.
Mr Andrew Maritim of the People Patriotic Party of Kenya beat Jubilee’s Richard Leitich by about 2,000 votes during the mini-polls that saw both camps invest their all fora result that could determine the direction of the supremacy battle between the two Rutos in Rift Valley.
They warned the Deputy President to expect a similar defeat during the Kericho Senate by-election on March 7 where they are backing Kanu candidate Paul Sang’ against Jubilee’s Aaron Cheruiyot.
Mr Ruto has formed Mashinani Development Party of Kenya and declared it a replacement for the Deputy President’s United Republican Party.
URP plans to merge with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance Party (TNA) to form the Jubilee Party, an outfit Governor Ruto has dismissed as inconsequential in Rift Valley.
“We voted for Jubilee and they have become very arrogant and are abusing leaders all across Rift Valley. Now, the Mashinani Party is going to replace URP and all those who were in URP are coming to Mashinani. Those who want to go to Jubilee can go but we have made our decision,” the governor said.
“The wave has come and has started with the by-election. It’s time Jubilee realised we are serious about this,” said Mr Ruto.
But Bomet Senator Wilfred Lesan dismissed the governor saying the Nyangores loss has not shaken the DP’s camp.
“The people in the South Rift have no reason to leave government. Why would they join the opposition?” Prof Lesan told the Nation on Friday.
Governor Ruto has joined forces with Kanu and rebel URP MPs and this is proving a major headache for the Deputy President who enjoyed an almost absolute support in the entire Rift Valley during the 2013 General Elections.
