The rivalry between Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Deputy President William Ruto is set to intensify in coming days with an impeachment motion on the offing.
Both Ruto and Moi have rarely shared podium with claims that the former has been blocked a number of occasions from visiting the latter's father at Kabarak.
Tiaty MP William Kamket, a close ally of Senator Moi on Wednesday revealed plans to impeach Dr Ruto over integrity issues, a move that could further escalate the differences.
According to him, Dr Ruto lied about his alleged assassination plot, contrary to ethics and integrity of the leader of his own caliber, thus necessitating the impeachment.
“If it appears that the assassination claims against him (Ruto) were stage managed, the DP will have no option but to take political responsibility by resigning. I will personally move an impeachment motion in Parliament to remove him,” said Mr Kamket.
“There is no leadership vacuum in Rift Valley. Jubilee was founded on a peace pact between two communities; the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin. This was not about the DP as an individual. Senator Moi can easily take up the mantle as the Rift Valley kingpin,” said Mr Kamket during a live interview at a local TV station on Wednesday night.
Although Moi and Ruto rarely clash on public, their supporters have often taken on one another whenever they meet. KANU team is keen to dethrone Ruto as Rift Valley de facto leader.
“As Kalenjin, we should not be intimidated to vote for DP Ruto. In any case, I regret having led the crusade that declared him community spokesman,” said Mr Musa Sirma in allusion to an infamous 2006 Eldama Ravine declaration where the Kalenjin community vowed to rally behind Dr Ruto.
A number of prominent leaders from Rift Valley among them Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki, Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Moiben MP Silas Tiren and his Nandi Hills counterpart Alfred Keter, have since ditched Ruto.