Work with us, Rift leaders tell DP William Ruto

A section of Rift-valley leaders from right Kuresoi South MP Zakayo Cheruiyot, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and KANU Secretary general Nick Salat follows proceedings at St Kizito Catholic Church in Olenguruone Kuresoi South in Nakuru. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

NAKURU: A section of Rift Valley leaders led by Kanu National Chairman Gideon Moi have denied claims by Deputy President William Ruto that they are out to divide Kalenjins as they fight for political space in the vote-rich region.

Speaking at Olenguruone in Nakuru County, the Baringo senator accompanied by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and hosted by Kuresoi South MP Zakaiyo Cheruiyot said elected leaders have the right to help in solving problems affecting their people and nobody should lecture them over that.

"We need to see respect accorded to our leaders regardless of their political positions or individual views. As people of the Rift Valley, we are faced with a lot of challenges that need to be addressed now and not tomorrow," said Gideon.

The Kanu chairman said there were serious problems affecting the Kalenjins and when the other elected leaders in the community raise them, they ought to be listened to and respected because it is their duty and right to do so.

"As leaders from this region, let us make it clear there is no time we will sit and watch the people who elected us suffer because of challenges that can be addressed," he said.

MARKET PRICES

Gideon said among the pressing problems are the falling maize and tea prices as well as insecurity in Baringo. He asked the Government to quickly address the issues.

Governor Ruto asked the DP to stop chest-thumping and instead work with other elected leaders regardless of their political stands to solve the numerous problems the electorate are grappling with.

He said the hard-line position taken by the DP was complicating his leadership in the region and that he needs to re-think his political strategy before things get out of control.

"We have no problem working with him but he needs to climb down from the tall tree and hold dialogue with us. It is surprising that the United Republican Party has not held even a single meeting since election and these are issues we are not happy with," said Ruto.

The Bomet governor, who is also the chairman of the Council of Governors, said he was ready to support the Kanu chairman to take the country's top position, insisting the seat was not a preserve of anybody.