Raila Odinga wins support in DP Ruto turf

ODM leader Raila Odinga at a past function.

Some leaders in Deputy President William Ruto's Rift Valley backyard are now warming up to Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny and his Moiben counterpart Silas Tiren and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos have declared willingness to work with Raila in the North Rift region.

Early in the week, Raila hosted Kuttuny and Tiren at his Capitol Hill office Nairobi, where the two MPs asked the ODM leader to help them solve the issue of maize farming in North Rift.

The meeting came a few days after the governor and the MPs hosted Raila in Chebara, Elgeyo Marakwet County on the invitation of Kuttuny.

During the meeting to celebrate Kuttuny’s mother-in-law Ruth Kiptoo’s retirement from teaching, the MP and Tolgos pledged to support the war against graft.

Kuttuny has been working with team Kieleweke, a faction of Jubilee Party that supports President Uhuru Kenyatta, while Tolgos is working closely with Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.

The duo told the former PM how corruption has crippled the maize sector and implementation of the Sh63 billion Kimwarer and Arror irrigation dams.

Jubilee leaders from the North Rift were put on the spot for their failure to address woes facing the maize sector. “I have stopped politicking because of the numerous problems our people are facing. Farmers planted maize but they can’t access top dressing fertiliser,” Kuttuny said. “As you speak to President Kenyatta about the handshake, remember to speak to him about maize sector problems. Don’t also forget to speak to him about insecurity in Kerio Valley.”

Tolgos, after a closed-door meeting between Raila and grassroots leaders, said elders are ready to receive the Opposition leader whenever he visits.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said Rift Valley is suffering despite having the second powerful man in government.