DP Ruto allies plot exit of Mbito, Kuttuny

Deputy President William Ruto's allies in Trans Nzoia have kicked off plans to unseat county Senator Michael Mbito and Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny, claiming they are undermining and fighting their boss.

A source familiar with the plot and who spoke to The Standard said the DP's supporters are not happy with Dr Mbito after he voted in favour of the removal of Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen from the majority leader seat at the Senate.

Mr Kuttuny is being accused of working with the DP's opponents in the Rift Valley out to block him from succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

Dr Ruto’s allies, led by Endebess MP Robert Pokuse, former Cabinet Minister Kipruto Kirwa and Trans Nzoia Jubilee Party Chairman Richard Chesebeh, have said they will charge ahead with plans to dislodge Mbito and Kuttuny from their respective seats.

Mr Chesebeh has declared his interest in running for the Trans Nzoia senator seat, while while former Cherangany MP Wesley Korir will take on Kuttuny. Jubilee enjoys dominance in the Trans Nzoia County Assembly. 

Unsuccessful bid

Kuttuny, with Ruto's support, dethroned Mr Kirwa from the MP seat he had held for two decades.

Kirwa unsuccessfully vied for the Trans Nzoia senatorial seat in 2013 and 2017.

Kuttuny, after losing to Korir in 2013 polls, was picked to serve as a political advisor at the Office of the President before he bounced back to Parliament in the last election.

Kirwa and Korir, sources told The Standard, are working together to send Kuttuny home for undermining the DP's presidential ambition. Kuttuny has openly criticised Ruto's brand of politics.

The source said Ruto’s political wave in Rift Valley would leave those opposed to his ambitions with serious political injuries.

Dr Pokuse and Chesebeh, the source added, had been left to handle Senator Mbito, who like Kuttuny is accused of betraying Ruto’s political course.

Negotiations are ongoing on who between Chesebeh and Henry ole Ndiema should square it out with Mbito.

Mbito, Pokuse, Mr ole Ndiema and Chesebeh are from the Sabaot community where Ruto enjoys huge support. Ole Ndiema clinched the senator seat in 2013 on a Ford-Kenya ticket but lost to Mbito in 2017. By the time of going to press, Mbito had yet to respond to our requests for comment.