Rift Valley MPs tighten screws on William Ruto as allies threaten to decamp

Kenya: Angry that Deputy President William Ruto has been reduced to a weak partner in the Jubilee coalition, some leaders now want him to review his relations with The National Alliance (TNA) party or risk isolation.

They want the deputy president to “climb down the tree he is perched upon”, even threatening to walk out of United Republican Party (URP), which DP Ruto is leader.

Interviewed on emerging realignments in Rift Valley, Emgwen MP Elijah Lagat said the meetings of faction allied to Nandi Hills Alfred Keter have held so far, resolved to make defection from URP and Jubilee an option, unless they are accorded respect and the government embraces inclusivity.

“We have put on hold the decision to walk away from the party and the coalition. We shall move if the current situation persists,” says Lagat.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who has been at loggerheads with DP, agrees. Asked about piling the anti-DP in URP pressure, he responded in the affirmative, but promised to give a comprehensive response later. Isaac Ruto who chairs the powerful Council of Governors forum, has, over the past year, aimed potshots at the deputy president who he accuses of plotting to undermine devolution.However, it is revelations that some URP members who met at Biblica Guest House last Friday had planned to join their rivals in CORD to welcome back former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that is likely to create more anxiety in the DP’s party

Speaking at Sosiot Sports Ground in Belgut constituency during the homecoming party of MP Eric Keter, the DP accused his tormentors in the region of being induced with “small bribes” to besmirch him. However, Alfred Keter (pictured) responded in kind when on Monday this week he told Ruto: “We have been calling on our bother and leader from down the tree. It seems he does not hear us anymore, as he has remained silent. May be he found the fruits enough for him and our wait may be in vain. It is improper for the DP to gloat about being part of a team that oversaw because we sent him there to represent us and not vice versa.”

Although he did not attend the meeting, Lagat acknowledges the deputy president’s reputation in Rift Valley is at risk due to perceived failure to place his supporters in key government positions.

“We are ready to part ways if he is not willing to change. He brings Duale to Rift Valley to abuse the people of the region and whenever it happens, he keeps quiet. We have had strategy meetings, but we are not going to make a move now because we want to give him time to make amends,” says Lagat.

The next meeting by a group of mostly professionals in URP is expected sometime next week.

But yesterday, Ruto’s allies warned their colleagues against “cheap propaganda”. MPs Joseph Limo (Kipkelion West) and Ken Kiloku (Narok East) said some discontented businessmen who did not win government tenders have resorted to propaganda with the sole aim of portraying URP as a failed partner in the Jubilee coalition.

“These forces began with the Standard Gauge Railway, before they picked on Rugut’s case. Recently, they were talking about Ruto’s hand in the impeachment case that was facing Kericho Governor Prof Paul Chepkwony,” said Limo.

He warned that should the legislators not stop mudslinging the deputy president, then they would name on the floor of the House, the agents who are bankrolling them.

“Most of those making the loudest noise are first time MPs just like most of us. Kenyans should ignore them because they are being paid to distract the Jubilee principals from delivering on their campaign pledges, “said Limo.

Kiloku said Ruto has cut himself the image of a statesman and his detractors are trying to pull his name in the mud.

“Ruto is young, ambitious and some people are not comfortable with this. They are hell bent in nipping his rising star in the bud by resorting to the most powerful tool; propaganda,” said Kiloku.

— Additional reporting by Charles Ng’eno