By Vitalis Kimutai

After the political lull that followed post-poll chaos in the North Rift, the region is again awash with politics.

Political heavyweights have renewed interest in the vast and vote-rich Rift Valley Province.

Some have ventured into the region to capitalise on the falling out between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Agriculture Minister William Ruto over conservation of the Mau Forest.

Raila, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Ruto and Kanu vice-chairman Gideon Moi have toured the region in recent weeks.

Former President Moi was also in Burnt Forest last weekend, as did President Kibaki’s son Jimmy and his Simama Kenya brigade in Keiyo South.

Two weeks ago, Kalonzo and Ruto attended functions in the North Rift while Raila flew to Chepalungu.

Kalonzo was in Eldoret North constituency for a church service at Segero Seventh Day Adventist Church two days after Raila visited Kapenguria.

Kalonzo later flew to Lodwar where he presided over a fundraiser in aid of women groups in Turkana Central, and was hosted by area MP Ekwe Ethuro.

When he flew back to Eldoret, he held a meeting with former MPs John Sambu, John Cheruiyot, Samuel Ngeny and local politicians led by former athlete Julius Kitur.

In a significant signal that the VP enjoys a more than cordial relationship with Ruto, he (Kalonzo) returned to Kitale to pick up the Agriculture Minister and flew together to Nairobi in a military chopper.

Same script

Kalonzo, Ruto and Information Minister Samuel Poghisio appeared that weekend to be reading from the same script on the Mau eviction, as they faulted the Government over the manner of evictions from the complex.

"It is illegal to kick people out of their land and dump them on the roadside like chicken," Kalonzo said.

Gideon also flew to Mau with Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat, and former Health Minister Paul Sang where they criticised the Government over the Mau evictions.

Gideon asked the President to help evictees allegedly dumped by the roadside without compensation. After Raila’s Kapenguria tour, he went to Siongiroi. Seemingly, the PM wanted to test political waters in the region after frosty relations with local MPs.

Raila was well received in the two functions, even though some expected he would be heckled.

"The last time I was here, I thought there were many people who turned up. Today, I am humbled that this is one of the largest crowds I have addressed," Raila said in Chepalungu.

Nominated MP Musa Sirma said the reception the PM received in Rift Valley was a clear pointer that he still commands respect among residents.

He said despite differences between the PM and MPs from the region over Mau evictions, majority of the people supported the ODM party leader.

Ruto has declared interest in the presidential race in the 2012 elections and some local MPs support him.

In Burnt Forest, Moi called on the clergy to spearhead peace building, saying chaos in Timboroa, Londiani and Koibatek should have been avoided.

Speaking at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Moi said the Cabinet should resolve the Mau issue without politicising it.