Deputy President William Ruto and former Cheragany MP Kipruto Arap Kirwa have joined forces in a move seen as neutralising firebrand MP Joshua Kutuny.
Kutuny has been firing salvos to the DP over myriad issues including his style of governance.
DP Ruto's last trip to Cherangany saw him endorse the former minister for Agriculture for the constituency’s parliamentary seat in 2022.
This follows strong criticism fro Kutuny has who strongly opposed Ruto’s rise to the presidency and is a key member of the’ Kieleweke’ group which has openly dismissed Ruto’s presidential ambitions.
This left Ruto with no other option than to turn to his former rival who had been trashed by Kutuny in Cherangany’s politics.
After endorsement by DP Ruto who is considered as Rift Valley's political kingpin, Kirwa has been associating with Ruto’s Tangatanga group for various functions in the North Rift region.
On Sunday, he accompanied a group of Ruto’s allies led by Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu to a function in Cherangany where he revealed their plans to unite Cherangany residents ahead of the fast approaching 2022 polls.
"We will not allow the people of Cherangany to be used again by selfish leaders. We are working to unite our people,” Kirwa said.
It is, however, a blow for Amani National Congress (ANC) as Kirwa has been a key ally to Musalia Mudavadi and was once his deputy party leader.
His change of allegiance politically could hurt is 2022 presidential bid.