Ruto allies consider decamping from URP

The fundraiser was snubbed by various MPs from the region. They include Belgut MP Charles Keter, Joshua Kutuny (Cherangany), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South) and Moses Lesonnet (Eldama Ravine).

When contacted, Mr Kutuny refused to discuss the matter, saying most MPs who did not attend the function were tired.

“We had just arrived from rallies in Pokot and Marakwet and we were tired,” he said.

But sources said Keter told their party leader they would not attend the function because it was organised by a group of people undermining and weakening the party.

Over the past three weeks, aspirants especially in the North Rift have threatened to quit URP over what they termed as Ruto’s dictatorial tendencies. Some of Ruto’s close aides, Isaac Maiyo, Caleb Kositany, Oscar Sudi, Eldoret Mayor William Rono and Wareng County Council chairman Paul Kiprop are contesting parliamentary seats in Uasin Gishu. This has also unsettled sitting MPs.

The aspirants formed Uasin Gishu URP secretariat and named themselves officials, a move that has caused serious rifts. “It is a crisis because most candidates are unhappy with the secretariat. They were handpicked by influential people (Ruto’s allies) who are also eyeing parliamentary seats,” complained Jackson Limo, a Soy parliamentary aspirant.

At the fundraiser, an agitated Ruto said no aspirant would get preferential treatment, adding the party was in the process of publishing URP nomination rules. “I have not picked anyone. There will be no automatic nomination. You will fight out and whoever emerges winner will get the ticket,” he told aspirants.

Kaparo announced that grassroots elections would be held on August 29 for wards, 30 for constituency and 31 for county level.

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