There is no doubt that Deputy President William Ruto commands a huge following from majority of residents and voters from the Rift Valley.
In the 2007 general elections, it was evident that Ruto influenced his home region to vote for Orange Democratic Movement party presidential candidate Raila Odinga. The same was also repeated in 2013 and 2017 when the self-proclaimed Rift Valley kingpin rallied behind President Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, the growing number of rebels and critics opposing Ruto’s political supremacy in the region is getting higher as Ruto prepares to run for the presidential sit in 2022.
Gideon Moi who is also eyeing the country’s top seat has continued to win himself a number of followers who were once Ruto’s staunch supporters.
On Sunday, a group of veteran politicians from the region arrived at Senator Moi's home in Kabarak and a meeting whose agenda remains unclear took place.
Taking a close analysis at these leaders clearly indicates that Ruto’s political supremacy in the Rift Valley is at risk.
A majority of them who include Chama Cha Mashinani party leader Isaac Ruto, former Roads Minister Franklin Bett, former MPs Magerer Langat and Nick Salat; Eldoret-based businessman Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich alias Buzeki, MP Silas Tiren and governor Alex Tolgos - the force of unity between them should never be ignored.
Ruto should act and try to bring these group of politicians to his ship or else this will be the beginning of his downfall.
Unlike before, Rift Valley is already divided and if his rivals work together, then chances of Ruto clinching the presidential seat without the maximum support of his home region are minimal.