No vacuum in NASA after Isaac Ruto exit, says nominated MP Wilson Sossion

Wilson Sossion has said he is going to fill the void left by former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto in NASA. Photo:Kipsang Joseph, Standard

The Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion has said there is no vacuum within National Super Alliance (NASA) in Rift Valley following the exit of former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.

Sossion, who is also an ODM nominated Member of Parliament, said the support NASA enjoys in the region was intact, despite Ruto’s departure to Jubilee Party.

“Ruto has gone alone to Jubilee. NASA supporters in Rift Valley are solidly behind our presidential candidate Raila Odinga,” Sossion said in Bomet on Saturday.

He hit out at the Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader saying he had lost it all by abandoning the devolution course he entered with NASA team.

“He has betrayed a course that he started. What happens to devolution of 45 percent of national revenue which he started? He should tell Kenyans that he was only playing with their conscience," added Sossion.

Sossion said the move by Ruto and Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno was informed by selfish interest.

"It is clear now that Ruto and his team have decided to betray Kenyans for selfish interest," he said.

Sossion revealed that he was going to fill the void the former Governor left and asked Kalenjins to stay put in NASA. He said he was ready to pitch tent and ensure support for Raila.

"We have planned campaigns in Bomet and several places in rift valley and we are sure of good reception," he added.

He exuded confidence that the Opposition leader will emerge the victor during the repeat presidential poll.

"We are confident and the presidency should not be preserved for some individuals and the coming poll will vindicate that, " he said.

CCM party members

At the same time, CCM party members from Bomet dismissed Ruto's jumping ship to support President Uhuru as political miscalculation.

Led by Alvin Koech who unsuccessfully contested for the Bomet gubernatorial seat in the party primaries said the former governor did not consult the party's entire membership before making the decision.

"Jubilee Party does not subscribe to NASA cum CCM policies of yearning for 45 percent of funds to the counties and hence it was foolhardy for Ruto to make hasty decision of supporting Jubilee for selfish interests," Koech said.

Speaking to the press in Bomet town, Koech pointed out that Ruto's decision would not deter CCM followers in Bomet County from voting for Raila Odinga in the October 17 election.

The pulling out of Ruto from NASA has been seen as leaving Raila without a significant point man in South Rift region.

During the lead up to the August 8, General Election, as one of NASA co-principals, Ruto was instrumental in organising major campaign rallies for the opposition team in South rift region.

He however beat a retreat on Friday when he re-joined Jubilee throwing his weight behind the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"When I looked over my shoulder (after the August 8 general election) I found myself alone and that is why I decided I cannot lead only a few people to Canaan I am now back home (Jubilee)".

"I was misled and cheered as I went astray. We literally begun politics with President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Deputy President William Ruto and when they came looking for me to join them I couldn't say No to them" said Ruto during a rally at Kapkatet stadium on Friday.