Row over impromptu Ruto tour of Marakwet

A senator and two MPs have been accused of “sneaking in” Deputy President William Ruto in Elgeyo-Marakwet who found one of the venues he toured empty.

Elgeyo-Marakwet leaders took issue with area Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen and Marakwet West MP William Kisang for hosting the DP on Saturday without involving them and the residents.

They said it was an embarrassment for the DP to find one of venues empty. Mr Ruto landed at Moror Primary School to address a rally, but found no crowd.

“How could they bring a senior State official, who is our Deputy President, without telling us to welcome him?” A former Finance Assistant Minister John Marimoi said angrily.

Mr Marimoi’s home in Kapchebau Village is barely 100 metres away from the school the Deputy President and his entourage found empty.

Former MPs Francis Mutwol and Robert Kasertich also criticised the senator and the MPs. Elders too added their voice, saying their actions were uncalled for. They told the lawmakers to seek advice on leadership.

“Their age is to blame, Murkomen is 35 and Kangogo is 35. The sooner the DP realises the younger generation of leaders is doing a disservice to him, the better. Mr Ruto should redefine his strategy,” Mr Mutwol said.

The leaders attributed the incident to supremacy wars between Mr Kangogo and Mr Murkomen who both come from Embobut Ward. Leaders said their supremacy wars caused the communication failure.

“This is a big embarrassment. We were told both of them posted the information on Twitter and Facebook,” a resident, Mr Kimaiya Chesubar said.

However, Mr Murkomen said: “The DP’s visit was impromptu. This is not the time for rallies.”

Mr Kisang said although the DP agreed to visit on short notice, involving residents and every local leader could have been costly. Mr Kangogo admitted there was a blunder in communication.

“The DP gave us the go ahead a day before his arrival and it was difficult to reach out to people,” he said.