Isaac Ruto: Why I set up my own party

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has alleged a plan by the Jubilee officials to deny him the party’s ticket to defend his seat in next year’s General Election.

This, he said, explained his resolve to establish his own Chama Cha Mashinani party, which will be his main political vehicle to recapture his gubernatorial seat.

“I am aware that I will not be cleared to stand on Jubilee Party since I do not subscribe to it and to avoid unnecessary enmity among my bosom friends, I have resolved to be in Chama Cha Mashinani to stay,” he said on Tuesday.

The governor has been a constant critic of the Jubilee leadership — especially Deputy President William Ruto — whom he has previously accused of being high-handed.

The decision to establish his party was to disetangle himself from certain “party owners” who had been threatening him with impeachment each time he spoke his mind, he said.

Governor Ruto asked the Jubilee leadership not to harass or intimidate those interested in joining the new party.

The governor said the electorate must be left to pick their party of choice without being coerced.

And he accused the leadership of the United Republican Party of dissolving it without consulting members.

“They did not consult us before making the decision. It is, therefore, needless for them to criticise us when we establish new political outfits,” he told the Daily Nation.

Speaking in Bomet, Mr Ruto said governors and other leaders close to the deputy President should stop spoiling for Jubilee coalition by hiring goons to disrupt his political rallies.

“If you don’t support the Mashinani party, then you should keep stay away from the rallies instead of going to venues to cause mayhem,” he said.

The governor told Jubilee to respect the spirit of devolution by ensuring that they devolve at least 45 per cent of the national audited revenue of the previous year to the counties for the implementation of their development projects.