Several leaders from Kericho County on Wednesday held closed-door meeting with Deputy President William Ruto at Karen amid ongoing defections to rival parties to Jubilee.
Over the weekend, business mogul Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki joined CCM party under Isaac Ruto, accusing DP Ruto's handlers of mistreatment within the Tanga Tanga team.
“These are the people who have held the DP’s office hostage. When someone, including old women, want to see the DP he demands Sh50,000. Where do you expect a poor mother to get Sh50,000? This man is a tax collector,” said an agitated Mr Kiprop.
“The DP’s office has been spoilt by these people to the extent that every Kalenjin walking in Nairobi streets is seen as a con man because of some two or three people spoiling the community’s name."
Last week, Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos also accused Tanga Tanga of insults, decamping to Gideon Moi's Kanu. Before that, Joshua Kutuny, Alfred Keter and Silas Tiren had been leading the rebellion.
But on Wednesday, Ruto said he discussed development matters concerning Kericho County. He said the leaders had sought for his audience specifically to address economic issues.
"To address the development needs of the counties, leaders must work together irrespective of their political affiliation and involve the public in decision making. The collective will of the people in identifying, prioritising and furthering key grassroots projects is critical to achieving meaningful and sustainable development.
"Held a meeting with leaders from Kericho County led by Governor Paul Chepkwony, Karen office, Nairobi County," Dr Ruto wrote.
But the emergence of Gideon Moi, Isaac Ruto's decision to revamp CCM party may have resurfaced in the meeting as Dr Ruto seeks to stamp his authority in the Rift Valley region. He has been accused by rebel leaders of failing to address pertinent economic issues in the region.
Elders from Kalenjin community are reportedly working hard to quell the rebellion, which they claim could sabotage Dr Ruto's ascendancy to power. He's at pole position to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.