Rift Valley leaders seek an end to the battle of the Rutos

Deputy President William Ruto and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto (left) during a fundraiser for Joyful Women Organisation (Joywo) in Bomet on August 29, 2015. PHOTO | REBECCA NDUKU | DPPS

What you need to know:

  • Although the elders expected differences to arise between politicians, they did not want these exposed in public forums — citing the recent bitter exchanges between the two leaders.
  • Former Roads minister Franklin Bett is also among Kalenjin elders who have called for a truce, saying the community wants the duo to work together in mutual respect. Mr Bett is particularly critical of the fiery Bomet governor.

Kalenjin elders are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with what they see as a disturbing war of words between United Republican Party politicians, Deputy President William Ruto and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.

Although the elders expected differences to arise between politicians, they did not want these exposed in public forums — citing the recent bitter exchanges between the two leaders.

While the deputy president’s supporters have labelled the governor a disgruntled spoiler, the county chief’s supporters have often claimed the second most powerful man in the country has been “sending” other leaders to fight the governor in his Bomet turf. It is even more intriguing that the governor is one of the deputy president’s mentors from the early 1990s when they were both in then ruling party Kanu.

The relationship soured after Sotik MP Joyce Laboso, an ally of the deputy president, declared she wanted to become Bomet governor in 2017.

Bishop (rtd) Paul Leleito, chairman of the Kipsigis Myoot Council of Elders, termed the supremacy battle as a huge embarrassment that could divide the community.

“As elders, we are tired of this senseless engagement of words between leaders. They have departed from the objective for which we elected them,” he said.

Former Roads minister Franklin Bett is also among Kalenjin elders who have called for a truce, saying the community wants the duo to work together in mutual respect. Mr Bett is particularly critical of the fiery Bomet governor.

“Governor Ruto is imagining that just because the deputy president is Kalenjin, he (the deputy president) should be answerable to him. However, the deputy president must also respect those that helped him get the top job,” said Mr Bett, a former Bureti MP.

He added: “Voters will do their own maths and see it is better to lose the governor than the second most powerful man in Kenya,” said Mr Bett.

Just as the deputy president is a political tactician and mobiliser, the governor is a forceful character whose experience could come in handy in future political battles to secure the region’s interests.

Prof Malawi Rotich of the University of Laikipia said fights between the two were confusing voters.

“Many feel they need a vocal governor but one who will work with other leaders, including the deputy president,” said Prof Rotich.

The Kipsigis sub-tribe, where Governor Ruto comes from, is the largest among the Kalenjin and accounts for close to 60 per cent of the entire community vote. Splitting this vote — something Governor Ruto has been alluding to — is the last thing the deputy president wants. His allies have, however, maintained there is no chance of such a split. 

Dr Adams Oloo of the University of Nairobi says that while “voters are not happy with governor Ruto fighting with the deputy president”, giving the Bomet county chief “the red card” will also be frowned upon. The scholar says that instead of engaging in public exchanges, the deputy president’s message to the governor should be: “We do not play in the same league”.  

But senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and his Kericho counterpart Charles Keter, who are close allies of the deputy president, said the governor’s goose is cooked.

“Kalenjins decided long ago that they wanted William Ruto. When one of us decides to go elsewhere, we do not go to the grave with him. Governor Ruto is engaging us in sideshows that we do not want to be part of,” said Senator Keter.

According to Mr Murkomen, the party has drawn the line and the governor should tread carefully. “It is time he (governor) realised that he is standing on sinking sand. He must toe the line,” said the Elgeyo Marakwet senator.

But a defiant and unapologetic governor Ruto said he would not be cowed by dictatorial leaders.

“The only crime that the URP accuses me of is supporting devolution and refusing to be carried away by the ‘we are in government nonsense’. What an old woman in Bomet needs is devolved funds, not endless talk from the national government,” he said.

Retired bishop Leleito said local elders want a united front. “The council has offered itself more than once to mediate. Our offer still stands,” he said.