Rift Valley next battlefront in hunt for votes

By Titus Too and Edwin Cheserek

Alignment to old and emerging political parties is putting Rift Valley Province in sharp focus as politicians scramble for the rich voter block.

It will, however, be an acid test for ODM chairman Henry Kosgey and his fellow legislators who have stuck with the Orange party against the wave of new outfits.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto, who decamped from ODM and joined UDM then URP has joined forces a section of local MPs to control parts of the province.

A tough political contest is expected between URP, ODM, Wiper Democratic Movement, Kanu, Narc Kenya and National Vision Party among others that have made substantial inroads in Rift Valley.

A new glimmer of hope is presenting itself to Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the region and could be further enhanced if he appoints Kosgey, the Tinderet MP, his running mate as demanded by residents recently.

Supporters from the larger North Rift also said Kosgey is the best option for the replacement of Musalia Mudavadi as Deputy Prime Minister. He decamped last month to UDF.

Long career

ODM leaders from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Keiyo vouched for the Tinderet MP saying he qualifies to be Raila’s running mate due to his experience in national leadership and seniority in Rift Valley.

“The Deputy PM slot in ODM was legally negotiated for the party. When one leaves ODM like Mudavadi, he should leave behind its tools (positions). We are appealing to the PM to appoint Kosgey to the post,” said Phillip Ngelechei, Eldoret East ODM chairman.

Mr Ngelechei adds that the party would gain more popularity and strength in the region if Kosgey is given the post. “Kosgey has been articulate and able since he was elected ODM national chairman. He deserves to be rewarded with the post of DPM,” says Ngelechei.

Richard Busienei, Eldoret East ODM chairman, said Kosgey had been firm as national chairman and if given the DPM post, the party would be stronger in the region.

Vast experience

“Kosgey has a long experience. He deserves to be named a running mate,” said Nandi Hills Town Council chairman Paul Mugun.

The leaders who spoke separately to The Standard also say they are confident ODM will win the forthcoming General Election.

Despite most legislators in Rift Valley having been elected on the ODM ticket, some have shifted loyalty to URP, promising turbulence for the Orange party.

Raila relies on Kosgey, Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei (Aldai), Higher Education Minister Margaret Kamar (Eldoret East), Roads Minister Franklin Bett (Bureti), Assistant minister Margerer Langat (Kipkelion) and Nominated MP Musa Sirma to win support in the region.

Dr Kosgei and Prof Kamar recently hosted the PM during a delegates meeting in Eldoret town where they said ODM still commands significant following. At the same time, presidential aspirants from Central Province are making inroads in the North Rift to market their brands.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Gichugu MP Martha Karua and Gatanga’s Peter Kenneth have hit the ground running, hopping to bank on the vote rich region.

Uhuru’s association with Ruto unlike Kenneth and Karua, seem to have made headway for his bid in the region.

However, Karua and Kenneth have not been dampened by this and have been traversing the region to secure their portion of the pie.

It is instructive the three were among the staunchest of Kibaki supporters in the last election and many are eager to see how they would be fairing in the polls.

Uhuru has declared he would run for the presidency on The National Alliance Party while Karua would contest on Narc-Kenya and Kenneth is seeking the presidency using Kenya National Congress.

Karua’s Narc-Kenya is being increasingly seen as rebellious against Kibaki and essentially, the push for political unity in Central Province.

Central bloc

Word on the ground is that Karua and Kenneth are actively courting the Kalenjin vote in the likely event they lose out on the Central bloc.

Brian Chebii, a parliamentary aspirant in Keiyo South, insists Uhuru has more influence in the region but says many will be keenly watching how Karua and the Deputy Prime Minister would fair in campaigns leading up to the polls.

“It is true that Karua leads when it comes to having the right ideas and policies that takes the country to greater levels,” says Chebii.

Pius Kipkore, a public administration lecturer at Moi University, says financial ability will also play a key role in the outcome of the contest.

“Many aspirants would want to associate themselves with some bigwigs like Uhuru to facilitate their campaigns,” says Kipkore.

But another analyst, Kipkorir Chumo, a senior lecturer at Chepkoilel University College, said none of the aspirants should be underrated.

He said though Uhuru and Kenneth have same interests, the Gatanga MP appears to be more appealing than the others because he is focused on issues.

“It is certain he is more of a reformer. Look at the way he has been managing and implementing his CDF projects,” says Chumo.