The Kalenjin community places a premium value on their ‘kingpin.’ The current kingpin, Dr William Ruto, is popular among the Kalenjins so much that his achievements are considered the community's. You will hear people in bars talking about ‘tuko na PhD.’
However, in a few years time, assuming DP Ruto becomes president, the Kalenjin will need a new leader to fill his shoes. At that point in time, Ruto will be consulted the same way retired president Moi is.
There are plenty of leaders who can fill DP Ruto’s shoes, once he retires.
These are:
Alfred Keter
The vocal and controversial Nandi Hills MP, Alfred Keter has been in the front line, championing for better maize prices for the farmers. Many DP Ruto’s supporters find him a nuisance. Keter is endearing himself to an electorate that consists largely of farmers. If he plays his cards right, he will emerge the kingpin in the near future.
Jackson Mandago
The first governor of Uasin Gishu, the indefatigable Jackson Mandago strikes me as one bold and eloquent leader. He is on the last term as the governor. When it ends, Mandago will surely not go home to farm. He will seek higher positions. He is the right candidate to succeed Ruto.
Oscar Sudi
At thirty-eight years old, Kapseret MP has his life ahead of him. The self-declared 'Sonko' of Eldoret is a suitable candidate to take over DP Ruto’s position when he retires from politics. It will serve him right since he is DP Ruto’s right-hand man.
Kipchumba Murkomen
The Elgeyo Marakwet Senator is the de facto Kalenjin spokesperson, on the national scale. Murkomen, the Senate majority leader can as well be a kingpin, if he plays his cards well.
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