MCAs hit out at Deputy President William Ruto over verbal attacks on Baringo senator

Silale ward MCA Nelson Lotela (Centre) flanked his fellow Members of County Assembly during a press conference at Kabrarak Guest house on July 19,2016.They criticised Deputy President William Ruto over his utterances against Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. (PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/ STANDARD)

Members of the County Assembly have criticised Deputy President William Ruto over his political attack directed at Baringo Senator Gideon Moi over the weekend.

Led by Leader of Majority Elijah Toroitich, 47 MCAs told the DP off, saying Gideon was a respected leader in Baringo, Rift Valley and the whole country. They described the political attack as misinformed and accused the DP's allies from the county of being political sycophants.

Speaking at a Press conference at Kabarak Guest House a day after Mr Ruto's visit to Baringo, the MCAs endorsed the Baringo senator as the county's spokesperson, describing him as a unifying leader.

"Getting a senator from another county coming to Baringo and abusing our own senator will not be entertained. The statement made by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot in Marigat amounts to hate speech and, as leaders, we are not going to entertain it," said Leader of Minority Wesley Lekakimon.

He said the empty talk by leaders from outside the county was not helping the region's development.

"People of Baringo need servant leadership, not endless political talk. What transpired during the Marigat rally is unfortunate and should be condemned by peace-loving Kenyans," said Mr Lekakimon.

According to Ewalel/Chapchap MCA Richard Kitilit, the Jubilee administration has neglected the Baringo people because of their perceived support for Gideon, saying sustained sacking of civil servants from the region must stop. His Saimo-Kipsaraman ward counterpart Vincent Kiror blamed six MPs from the region for being the DP's sycophants.

"They have become the DP's flower girls, following him without question. Our people are being sacked and they are not questioning. The DP comes to engage in empty rhetoric and they support him just because he hires choppers for them to traverse the county," said Mr Kiror.

Assembly Deputy Speaker Kiplimo Tanui accused local MPs of lying to Ruto that all was well in Baringo.