Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto denies claims party out to split Kalenjin votes

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto. He has defended his move to register a political party. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • The Governor accused the politicians of “herding” the community into tribal parties for their personal political gain.
  • The Bomet governor Ruto said he will not join Jubilee and that he registered CCM to replace URP.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has dismissed claims that he registered a political party to split the Kalenjin vote.

In an interview Saturday, Mr Ruto said the allegations by some leaders that his party, Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) was dividing the community were misplaced.

“The Kalenjin is not a political party. We are united by language, kinship and culture. Beyond that, the Kalenjin people are Kenyans and they are free to join any political party of their choice. Being in CCM does not make us any less Kalenjin,” said Mr Ruto.

He was responding to claims by Jubilee senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) and Stephen Sang (Nandi).

The senators told him to support Deputy President William Ruto as he is the Kalenjin leader.

The Governor accused the politicians of “herding” the community into tribal parties for their personal political gain.

He said his party is a national one and has membership across the country. He said the party has set up 40 offices in 31 counties.

He condemned the recent folding up of the United Republican Party (URP) to join the Jubilee Party saying members were not consulted.

URP was dissolved alongside nine other parties to form the Jubilee Party, which will be used by President Uhuru Kenyatta to seek re-election in next year’s polls.

The Bomet governor Ruto said he will not join Jubilee and that he registered CCM to replace URP.

He said his party will filed candidates for governor, MCA, MP, senator and women representative seats but will have no presidential candidate.