Zakayo Cheruiyot is a name that has hit the media in the recent times. But, who really is this Kuresoi South Member of Parliament?
ZK as he is most referred to by his constituents, has of late been in the news as among those opposed to the DP Ruto's political ideologies.
Those well versed with the happenings in Kalenjin politics say he is a shrewd operative with a network he established while in the provincial administration, unseating him will not be a walk in the park come 2017.
Who is Zachayo Cheruiyot, one may ask? ZK is currently serving his second term in parliament after he trounced his competitors namely Manifesto Sang and Joseph Tanui in the 2013 general elections.
He served the then larger Kuresoi constituency from 2007 to 2013 before it was divided into Kuresoi North and South.
The controversial MP who only obeys his mind is perhaps the only MP who served in Daniel Moi's provincial administration where he went through a series of instant promotions from district officer through to deputy provincial commissioner and later permanent secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security.
Besides his knowledge and wide range of experience, he has God given wisdom and that is why the Kalenjin community has been seeking his word before any serious political step is taken, a South Rift MP who sought anonymity said.
To many across the Rift, he is remembered for his generosity and for touching individual lives as well as community projects even when he was in the provincial administration.
Despite his poor relationship with William Ruto, Cheruiyot still enjoys massive support from his constituents who praise him as goodhearted and a humane leader. ZK is said to be allied to Bomet governor Isaac Ruto and Gideon Moi camp which the DP's allies claim is out to spoil for the DP.
This has given opportunity to his rivals Liza Chelule and Nakuru deputy governor Joseph Ruto to take advantage and seek endorsement from the DP to challenge the lawmaker in the forthcoming general elections.
Cheruiyot, aged 61, hold Bachelors of Political Science degree from University of Nairobi and served in various ministries during Moi's regime which include district officer in Molo, district commissioner, Rift Valley deputy provincial commissioner and permanent secretary in the ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security.
He was born in Kapsegut in Bureti sub-county of Kericho county.
The education-loving MP is credited with the initiation of several schools in Bureti and Kuresoi before he joined politics which include Moi Amalo, Kiptaragon, Silibwet, Siwot Girls, Emitik Girls, Sinendet, Ambusket, Kapkoi, Arorwet, Ainamoi, Kiptagich, Olenguruone Township Secondary schools among others in the region.