A supremacy battle has erupted between Senate Majority Leader Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno over the control of South Rift region politics.
The battle for the region's kingship has been ignited by Ngeno's political activities in Kericho County. Cheruiyot accuses Ngeno of overstepping his jurisdiction and maligning his leadership.
“There are many liars in politics. It reminds me of a book I once read titled "New Levels, New Devils," said Cheruiyot in a veiled attack on Ngeno.
“Isn’t it wrong for someone to leave their area of jurisdiction and come into another leader’s territory just to spread lies?” he posed.
Despite the growing tensions, Cheruiyot insisted he would not get drawn into what he called “meaningless political contests.”
“Some people think they understand how to play politics, but I can assure you they will bow out before the real battle begins. I started as an unknown senator—today I am the Senate Majority Leader. They have seen nothing yet,” he declared.
He also clarified that his position in the Senate does not grant him unilateral powers to appoint individuals to the Cabinet amid accusations that he failed to support Stella Langat's nomination for the Gender Cabinet Secretary position in 2024, leaving Kericho without any Cabinet Secretary.
“I don’t wield as much power as some people believe. I don’t hire Cabinet Secretaries. My role is clearly defined within the Senate,” Cheruiyot explained.
The senator was responding to claims surrounding Langat’s failed appointment, which was eventually given to Hannah Cheptumo, the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo.
On his part, Ngeno defended his growing influence in the region, pointing to his recent installation as an elder of the Kipsigis Community—a recognition for his vocal advocacy for the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees and his condemnation of police brutality in conflict-prone areas such as Angata Barikoi in Narok County.
He accused senior South Rift leaders of remaining silent on issues affecting the region and vowed to chart a new political path.
“Our voices in the South Rift have been suppressed for too long. It began with the late Dr. Taita Towett, the late Kipkalya Kones, and more recently, former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto. We must have a long-term political strategy beyond 2027. Who knows—I might be a presidential candidate in 2032,” Ngeno remarked.
He added, “I can’t be stopped. Our current support is firmly behind President William Ruto for his second term. After that, the succession battle will be wide open. I am ready to compete with anyone.”
However, Belgut MP Nelson Koech dismissed the supremacy talk as a distraction from development priorities, urging elected leaders to focus on service delivery.
“One would wonder what this political bickering is all about, especially while we are in government. We should be leveraging President William Ruto’s administration to bring development to our region,” Koech stated.
“If any leader wants to be a kingpin, let him be the king in his area. The people want services, not sideshows,” he added
