Leaders dismiss KKK alliance, tell Ruto to quit

By Vitalis Kimutai

Some Rift Valley leaders have dismissed the proposed alliance between Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Agriculture Minister William Ruto as unworkable and tribal.

Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat challenged Ruto to quit ODM now that he had clearly demonstrated he was ready to enter into political pacts with leaders from rival parties.

"Ruto should resign as the ODM deputy party leader and also from the Cabinet and roll out his campaigns instead of sabotaging the party from within," said Mr Magerer.

A section of leaders from the North and Central Rift including the Rongai ODM branch chairman Joseph Kimetto, who was accompanied by other officials, Kenneth Kamuren, Joseph Ng’etich and Bomet branch organising secretary Kiprotich Sirma, also expressed similar sentiments.

The leaders said Prime Minister Raila Odinga still enjoyed support of most voters in the vast province.

Kamuren and Kimetto said in a joint statement Ruto had lost touch with reality and was only interested in political wars.

They praised Roads Minister Franklin Bett for skipping the Friday rally at Chebunyo in Chepalungu.

political heat

Magerer said: "Ruto should stop his tours of the South Rift region where he uses it as a platform to launch attacks on other leaders. If he wants our votes as the Kipsigis community then he should do so at an opportune time."

On Friday, Ruto’s key ally and Cheranganyi MP Joshua Kutuny said Ruto would contest for presidency with Kalonzo as running mate and Finance Minister Uhuru as prime minister.

The remarks rekindled the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Kamba (KKK) political pact Kalonzo had been pushing through for some months now but which generated political heat.

However, Bomet Mayor Leonard Barsumei, Londiani Town Council chairman Jackson Kikwai, councillor Julius Ruto of Nandi North Town Council, politician Alfred Keter and UDM youth leader Kibet Komen defended Ruto saying he had a right to contest for the presidency and should not be condemned for it.

"Ruto has proved to all and sundry that he is consistent and enjoys support across Rift Valley Province and other parts of the country and those rubbishing him will be in for a rude shock," said Keter.

Speaking to The Standard on telephone, Mr Komen said the Agriculture Minister enjoyed support of the youth.

"One thing that can’t be wished away is the fact that Ruto has the support of majority of youth who will rally behind him," he said.

Barsumei and Kikwai said those with the mistaken believe that Raila would upstage Ruto in the province should read the writing on the wall.