By BEAUTTAH OMANGA and PETER MUTAI

In a bid to have a stake in the Kibaki succession, a feeling of being misused by power seekers has now brought together political adversaries in the South Rift.

Leaders, who were tearing at each other over their loyalty to Prime Minister Raila Odinga on one hand and Eldoret North MP William Ruto on the other, now seem to be reading from the same script.

Kipsigis leaders are alive to the fact that their political divisions are indeed their undoing, if recent events are considered.

“We have to work as a team if we want to be appreciated and taken seriously. Outsiders have perfected the divide and rule art, which has for many decades worked against the interests of our people,” said Energy Assistant Minister Magerer Lang’at.

Langat says even if Kipsigis leaders would not join the same political party, their desire was to speak in one voice on local social, economic and political issues.

Political track
“We are happy our brothers who had been misled that they were in the right political track have come to realise they were mere passengers in somebody’s political vehicle. We are ready to negotiate properly with those seeking power if we remain united,” said Magerer.

It is now clear dissatisfaction in the manner in which Ruto has handled matters in his URP party and a desire to have Bett picked as Raila’s running mate has united Kipsigis politicians, at least for now.

The leaders are now pushing for a better share of appointments to key positions in the Grand Coalition Government, claiming the region has been side-lined for many years compared to North Rift.

Last Month, ODM delegates from Kericho and Bomet counties told Raila on the face that the region had been side lined when it comes to appointments in Government and key positions in the party.

Bett call
The delegates called on the Prime Minister to pick Roads Minister Franklin Bett to replace Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who has ditched ODM for the United Democratic Front (UDF) party.

Led by Langat, the delegates said Bett was equal to the task owing to his vast experience in the public service, having served as State House Comptroller in former President Moi’s government.

“Prime Minister, allow us to tell you what you must do for us in the South Rift if you want to get votes from this region. Pick Bett as your running mate as a reward for having stood with you even during turbulent days,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Bett and Belgut MP Charles Keter announced they had resolved to work together irrespective of their political affiliation.

Bett said they were planning a consultative meeting bringing together MPs and councillors from Buret, Ainamoi, Belgut and Kipkelion constituencies to chat out the way forward for the region.

State jobs
Speaking at Kipsigis Girls High School during a funds drive, the leaders, who included Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat, said the South Rift had for years been side lined in key State appointments.

“We have sat as MPs from the county and have resolved to put aside our political differences to look for solutions to the problems facing our people irrespective of our political affiliations,” Bett said.

The minister said a leaders’ meeting had been called for this week to set a date for a consultative forum to be held in Kericho whose agenda will include healing previous political rifts. It will bring on board elders, church officials, opinion leaders, youth, women and professionals from the region.

“We have decided to unite as elected leaders first before bringing on board other stakeholders,” the Buret MP added.
Keter said the leaders would come together to work out a plan for the development of the region.

“Regardless of our political affiliation, we as elected leaders from Kericho will soon hold a consultative meeting to chat the way forward. I am calling on leaders to put aside their differences to attend the planned meeting,” Keter said.

Africa Gospel Church bishop Robert Langat called on elected leaders from the South Rift to work as a team in fostering unity among local communities.

“Our people have pre-occupied themselves with politicking too much at the expense of development. It is high time they sat and evaluated themselves to give economic development a chance,” he added.