Politics of The Rift!

Politics in the Rift Valley have taken interesting twists in recent months and two key leaders, Deputy President William Ruto and the fiery Bomet Governor, Isaac Rutto are at the heart of events.

On one hand, a political ‘rebellion’ led by the Bomet Governor has shaken the deputy president and his die-hard lieutenants in Kipchumba Murkomen, Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago and his Narok counterpart, Ole Tunai among others.

Gideon Moi, Senator John Lonyangapuo, vibrant Nandi Hills legislator, Alfred Keter and Johanna Ng’eno of Emurua Dikiir are helping Rutto stamp his rising authority in The Rift. The voting block, previously seen to be under the mercy of the deputy president has never been this divided.

Weeks ago, the little-known Mashinani Party led by Rutto and his men swept aside Deputy President’s man in a ward by-election in Bomet County. It was the much-needed spring that will eventually lift Rutto to shaking the deputy president in a manner few expected.

On March 7, the Kericho senatorial seat is up for grabs. Once again, Rutto and his ally-turned-foe Ruto will face off in one battle that will go a long way in determining who wields the political power as we head to 2017.

The drums are beating and Rutto and his friends from URP have thrown their weight behind KANU’s Paul Sang. This has irked the Deputy President and his loyalists who have their hopes on the shoulders of Aaron Cheruiyot.

It is a political contest that has thrown URP and the JUBILEE coalition into disarray. An aspiring king is leading a vicious democratic onslaught to topple the king.

Sadly to the Deputy President’s loyalists, their leader has publicly shown nerves much to the joy of the Rutto-led camp.

The popular decision by the people of Bomet County on Monday will have two repercussions; Ruto will be left battered and severely vanquished or he will survive the onslaught and dismiss Rutto as a political lightweight.

It is a referendum on the Deputy President’s political grip on Rift Valley!