[Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto in a past event. He was installed Kipsigis spokesperson a move that could further sabotage DP William Ruto’s influence. Photo/Nation]
The growing insurgency in DP William Ruto’s Rift Valley backyard maybe far from over following Saturday’s decision by elders to install Bomet governor Isaac Rutto as the community’s spokesman.
For the last decade, the DP has been supremo defacto in Kalenjin politics after taking over from retired President Daniel Moi.
In history, the larger Kalenjin community has never had spokespersons from individual sub-tribes and the latest development from Kipsigis is blow to the DP’s political future.
“We have always had a Kalenjin spokesman and not someone speaking on behalf of a certain sub tribe,” said William Siongok, a political analyst from Kisii University.
He added: “If now the Kipsigis have decided to go that way, things could be tough for DP William Ruto. This shows that the rift is now real and could even escalate.”
Of all the Kalenjin sub-tribes, Kipsigis community takes majority share of Kalenjin votes and they occupy Bomet, Kericho and parts of Nakuru County.
Governor Rutto will now be tasked to make formal social-political stand and decisions on critical matters affecting members of Kipsigis community.