A political battle between Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Deputy President William Ruto is yet again looming following the ongoing plans to disarm National Police Reservists.
Tiaty MP William Kamket, a close ally of Mr Moi, on Monday alleged that Dr Ruto has been recruiting NPRs as his militants for 2022 political duel. He lauded Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai for disarming the reservists.
"Congratulations to IG Hillary Mutyambai for disarming all NPRs in the Rift Valley. The NPRs has been recruited as a William Ruto militiamen to fight for him in 2022. Kweli Mungu halali," wrote Kamket.
The security situation has deteriorated in the Kerio Valley region, a meeting point of Turkana, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet Counties. Several people have been killed in the past with Kamket squarely blaming NPRs.
But in a rejoinder, Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday accused Mr Moi of baking Kamket, whom he accused of orchastrating the insecurity in the dangerous valley.
"It is incongruous for @MoiGideon to support Kamket who is leading a militia to kill his people. Without the NPRs residents of Baringo South and North would have been wiped out. Without NPRs women&Children In Kerio will not be safe. KANU wants to return Kerio Valley to a Valley of death," said Murkomen.
According to him, National Police Service was only vetting the NPRs, adding that they are very integral in enhancing security at the valley. He accused Kamket of spreading hatred among Kenyans.
"The official position from CS @FredMatiangi & @IG_NPS is that NPRs are being vetted not disarmed. NPRs are integral part of security solution in the valley.Any security strategy cheered by Kamket the commander of bandits will be resisted by leaders from Turkana, Baringo&Samburu," added Murkomen.
Both Gideon Moi and Dr Ruto have declared interests to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta whose term expires in 2022. Kalenjin elders have reportedly been pushing for the reunion of the two, but their efforts have failed to materialise.
The government has been using National Police Reservists in Northern and North Eastern Kenya to contain bandits. Most of them are former police officers.