Going against the grain is not something new in South Rift

The rebellion against the political establishment is nothing new in Rift Valley’s political history.

Former President Moi had a similar political experience with Kipsigis leaders who defied the system and joined other political parties.

Dr Taita Towett, Prof Jonathan Ng’eno and Kipkalya Kones all deceased had strained relations with Kanu government.

In 2000, Moi was forced to summon the Kanu Governing Council to suspended the late Kones and former Sotik MP Anthony Kimeto from the party alongside three other members.

Kones who commanded a huge following, fell out with President Moi and joined the Muungano Wa Mageuzi Movement led by James Orengo.

He later defected to the Simon Nyachae-led Ford People, but lost his Bomet parliamentary seat to Nick Salat in the 2002 elections.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto is not new to political controversy in the South Rift region. Mr Ruto has been going against the grain of the establishment.

Redeem political fortunes

Those who have observed this trend over time say politicians do this either to redeem their floundering political fortunes or to gain recognition they would ordinarily not attract by walking the well-beaten path. At one point, President Moi had to abandon Isaac Ruto at the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, after he questioned his decision to sack Prof George Saitoti as Vice President.

At a public forum in 1996, the governor also rubbed Moi the wrong way when he said existing political leaders could not be relied on to drive reforms in the country.

In 2012, the governor led Kipsigis MPs to walk out of ODM after they differed with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the restoration of Mau forest.

Defying the system has borne fruits for some politicians while it has ended careers for others.

It will be interesting to see how the latest protest in the Rift pans out.