By Beauttah Omanga
What is Roads Minister Franklin Bett up to in his latest political manoeuvres?
This is the question in the South Rift since Bett declared he would be making a statement in September.
A day after his declaration, Energy Assistant minister Magerer Langat warned that if the Roads minister is not appointed Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s running mate, it would not be business as usual.
“We have been mistreated politically despite our numerical strength. And the fact is we are in ODM now and we are hoping the premier would heed our plea to consider nominating Bett as his running mate. If that does not happen, then we would have no choice, but to chart our own political course,” said Magerer.
One party
He claimed there were intensive talks involving Kipsigis politicians, including those allied to Eldoret North MP William Ruto on the need to join one political party that would address their community’s interests.
And given the tension between Ruto’s allies in the South Rift – Isaac Ruto and Charles Keter – it is now apparent the premier and the Eldoret North MP have a lot of balancing to do to retain their support.
Bett has intensified his interaction with residents of Kericho and Bomet counties in what would be seen as a strategy ahead of the promised political statement.
He says that even though he has never criticised ODM party chairman Henry Kosgey, the Tinderet MP was on record dismissing his contribution to the party.
Running mate
“I have never undermined Kosgey whom I respect as my chairman, but it surprises me to hear him dismiss my desire to be the Prime Minister’s running mate. We have been dominated by our brothers from the North Rift for far too long,” Bett said.
