Changing political gears in Kipsigis landscape – Weekly Citizen

The politics of Kipsigis community is likely to shift loyalty from William Ruto who is enjoying strong support from ordinary locals in Kipsigis community.
The change of political temperature was witnessed recently when former community leaders who still enjoy respect paid visit to Raila Odinga at his office in Nairobi.
Though it was not disclosed the agenda for the meeting it was a clear indication that the team were not with Ruto in his bid for presidency.
Raila hosted former Bomet governor Isaac Ruto, former Roads minister Franklin Bett and former MPs Zakayo Cheruiyot and Paul Sang who are all allies of Baringo senator Gideon Moi.

Moi

The leaders with their experience having served in different government portfolios still command a lot of respect in the community and are the people to give political direction as opposed to young leaders who do consult them on issues touching on the community.
The current leaders who had paid a visit to former Konoin MP Nathaniel Chebelyon last year confessed to the former leaders to give them direction.
Chepalungu MP Gideon Kosgei openly urged the leaders led by Isaac Ruto and Bett to give them political direction, an issue that demonstrates that they still believe in them.
The former leaders are strong opinion shapers in the community since those in power currently are young people who have lost touch with the voters though enjoying access to the deputy president unhindered.
Unless the DP tames the leaders, his popularity in the region is going to be a factor since the community cannot survive without the former leaders.
Former Bomet governor together with Cheruiyot and Bett having been in politics for a long time and served under Moi regime, the DP can only take advantage of their wisdom, experience and knowledge if he dreams of ascending to power.

Bett

The young leaders are politically irrelevant and though in power, they may not be of much support to a presidential candidate and for the sake of uniting the entire community, the former leaders must be consulted.
But sources told this writer that the former leaders have in the past attempted to meet the DP but failed to get opportunity an issue that they have resorted to seeking advice with other potential leaders.

Chepkwony

By the time of going to press, it was not clear again if the Mau Forest issue is a unity for purpose or Mau unity since recently, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Isaac Ruto have been meeting as Kalenjin leaders on Mau issue.
If the agenda to address the planned Mau eviction is an issue to unite the community, then Ruto as the DP is the man to benefit from the same.
It is not clear who will succeed Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022 but the DP is already among the top in the list with strong leaders opposed to him.
For the sake of containing maximum votes in Rift Valley, then the DP must take initiative to look for means of convincing the Baringo senator Moi and former political leaders to support his bid.
As 2022 is approaching closer, more presidential aspirants will declare their interest to face the DP who is currently seen as a frontrunner but political enemies must be contained for the sake of the community voting as a bloc.

Keter

Among those likely to give Ruto a rough time is ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi who is seen as a man that can get support across the country.
Kenya National Union of Teachers secretary general Wilson Sossion who also doubles as ODM nominated MP and currently facing rebellion in the union could have been saved by those in power like the DP but because of associating with Raila, he has suffered and hit the rocks.
It is not too late for those championing for the DP to clink the presidency to bring on board people perceived as critics. The only option is to work as a team but not to isolate community kingpin.
Though Senator Moi is not yet known if he will seek presidency, he has the political will in the entire Rift Valley that Ruto is also banking on.

Nick Salat

Having Kanu secretary general Nick Salat and former Bureti MP Paul Sang and if Isaac, Bett and Cheruiyot are now on board then political equation for the DP is not easy to sail though.
On the other hand most of the cabinet secretary from the region even if they are pro-Ruto cannot deliver votes since they have to learn political game.
Current governors are not popular to spearhead Ruto presidential campaign and most of them as pursuing their seats in 2022.
Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony is among those said to be interested in senate seat therefore he will not be resourceful to DP campaign in the region.
Unless Ruto is sure of being elected as president, then his advisers can identify loyal men to stop contesting political seats but wait to serve Ruto government if he ascent to power.
Energy cabinet secretary Charles Keter is a man who has chances of taking over from Chepkwony as Governor and who is also a close ally of the DP and is a man who can serve national Government if Ruto become the Head of State.