[President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in a past rally. The two have been facing rebellion in Rift Valley in recent weeks. Photo/Nation]
Despite voting as a block in 2013, Rift Valley region is gradually shifting as a battle ground, a move that could hinder President Uluru Kenyatta’s reelection.
In the past week, Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto have come head on with growing hostility from locals over Jubilee performance in the last five years.
On Monday, Ruto was forced to cut short his speech at Iten and a similar scenario replicated in Kericho on Thursday with locals embarrassing him in front of his guest Uhuru Kenyatta.
“This (rebellion) can be attributed to influence of rebellious team lead by Isaac Rutto who have intoxicated locals over Jubilee performance,” says political analyst Dismas Mokua.
He adds: “Alternatively, Ruto’s continued push for six pieces could be another key factor. Independents feel belittled despite shoddy nominations by Jubilee.”
An opinion poll conducted by Ipsos Synovate a month ago projected a significant gain by NASA leader Raila Odinga who garnered a 32 percent compared to a below average performance during 2013 elections.
Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto along with Johanna Ng’eno (Emurua Dikir), Patrick Ntutu (Narok West) and KANU chairman Gideon Moi are leading the rebellion.