Governor Isaac Ruto with ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/rao.co.ke]
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has formally announced he has joined opposition outfit, NASA.
Ruto said the other four National Super Alliance (NASA) principals – Raila Odinga, Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka - had promised him equal status in the coalition.
The Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) leader made the announcement after meeting with elders, former Councillors and professionals from Bomet.
“As CCM we are now supporting NASA and as a party leader, I am becoming the fifth principal and will fight for space and negotiate within the coalition summit,” said the outspoken governor, who has been a strong critic of the Jubilee administration.
Governor Ruto’s decision was backed by Kipsigis elders, led by Myoot Bomet County Chairman Milgo arap Barta and Kipsigis Clans Association chairman Edwin Kimetto.
Kimetto said, “As elders we now back the negotiations and ask Governor Ruto to speak on behalf of the Kipsigis community within NASA.”
The governor further declared his differences with Deputy President William Ruto, saying working with him had become impossible.
“Working with the DP is not feasible in this year’s election. I am not so sure if that will be feasible even in the near future,” he said.
Governor Ruto said his differences with the Deputy President were mainly ideological and running of government.
He accused the DP of being against devolution of resources to the grassroots to benefit wananchi.
Ruto also revealed why he did not join Jubilee Party last year, when 11 parties folded to form the merger.
“There is no way I am going to demolish my house (CCM) and move into another man’s house (Jubilee) with my children and grand-children in tow. It is only an insane person who can do that,” he said.
He revealed that Jubilee leaders demanded that he dissolves Chama Cha Mashinani, unlike NASA.