Rift MPs fault DP Ruto for region's troubles

Over 20 Rift Valley MPs met on Wednesday night to discuss what sources explained were concerns that the region was being shortchanged in Government and dissatisfaction with Deputy President William Ruto's recent hardline position on critics.

The MPs reportedly cited public protests over delays in the purchase of maize and insufficient farm inputs in Government stores as a pointer to rising discontent with the Jubilee government.

Some claimed at the meeting that their constituents were becoming hostile toward them, wanting to know why they were facing problems when their leaders were in Government.

Also of concern to the MPs was Ruto's declaration in Kericho last weekend that those who did not support the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) would be swept aside, which some interpreted to be a warning that rivals would take up strategic positions in the new party if they didn't play ball.

JAP has encountered some resistance in the region from MPs who feel they were not consulted over its formation.

The meeting came on the back of recent bitter exchanges between Ruto and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto. The DP attacked Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and also told Rift Valley leaders to shun the Council of Governors chairman, who is highly critical of the Jubilee government.

The URP and Kanu MPs who met in Parliament Building on Wednesday night are understood to have weighed the possibility of teaming up with the Bomet governor and Gideon if their grievances were not addressed.

They further resolved to attend a rally in Elgeyo Marakwet County this weekend, where they would register their displeasure even as they seek an appointment with the DP next week.

Step aside

"There are many issues affecting the region yet we are in Government. For how long are we going to engage each other in petty politics?" asked a legislator from North Rift who asked not to be named.

"The perception among our people is that this government is not doing enough to address their plight. We would rather concentrate on tackling our problems instead of engaging in shouting matches with those who are against the DP's leadership style," he continued.

They reportedly complained that Ruto was unavailable and the only time they interacted with him was at rallies or when there was a crisis.

The over 20 disgruntled legislators at the meeting alleged that already, the DP was grooming rivals on the ground to replace those perceived as disloyal ahead of the next elections.

"Going by what we witnessed in the Kajiado Central by-election, we want JAP managers changed to restore confidence among the members. If the President and DP want the party to succeed, the present officials must step aside," said Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills).

He said they were unable to meet the DP, "instead we only meet during rallies, where we find ourselves reaffirming our commitment to him".

However, Keter, who attended the meeting, prevailed on his colleagues to consult widely instead of making drastic decisions.

Kuresoi South MP Zakayo Cheruiyot is among those who have resisted JAP. "It (the raid) has to do with my stand on JAP, which some people are not happy with," Cheruiyot said Thursday after anti-graft detectives raided his Nairobi home and demanded to see ownership documents.

Cheruiyot said he suspected the raid had something to do with Anglo Leasing, for which he has already been charged.

But Kericho Senator Charles Keter, a close ally of the DP, downplayed any possible rift in the region. "I was aware of the meeting. There is nothing to worry about. The DP is the most accessible person," said the senator.

Thursday, Governor Ruto told the DP to focus on addressing fires in the Mau Forest, IDP resettlement and all pledges he made instead of "badmouthing leaders".