There was drama at Kipreres trading centre in Bomet East on Friday evening after Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and Senator Christopher Langat clashed in public.
The two nearly engaged one another in a fist fight as they wrestled for the microphone during a fundraising.
Barchok was irked by sentiments by Langat on his leadership style and tried to stop him from further addressing the crowed.
The fund-raiser in aid of traders who lost property in a fire incident aborted after leaders and members of the public left in the ensuing drama.
Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones and Woman Rep Joyce Korir watched helpless as the two engaged in a shouting match.
Hell broke loose after Langat accused Barchok of turning his back on elected leaders from the county.
Langat said their attempts to have the governor convene a county leaders’ forum have been futile.
The senator said it was regrettable that a tempo set by late Governor Joyce Laboso to ensure leaders frequently meet to strategies and iron out arising issues had been killed by Barchok.
“During the time of Late Governor Laboso arising issues from the Auditor General office like foreign travels and wage bill, she would swiftly call all leaders for a meeting and sought way forward,” said Langat, adding that Governor Barchok is not keen on meeting with other elected leaders.
Langat at the same time voice concerns over award of tenders last month for County roads and Kenya Roads Board saying the youth from marginalised areas were not awarded.
“The recent tenders need to be reviewed because the youth have complained that all awards went to individuals who have money and the governor need to address the claims. He may run away but will never hide from this truth,” the senator claimed.
An agitated Barchok who was restrained by members of the public and aids loudly lamented against the sentiments by Langat saying the senator was becoming too personal.
Barchok said he did not want to engage him in a physical fight but wanted to stop him from misleading the public.
“He is fond of misleading the public and often making too personal statements to tarnish my name,” said Barchok
Speaking to the Standard after incident, Langat told Governor to exercise restraint and listen to grievances from leaders and members of the public.
The senator said he was bringing to his attention issues that are in public domain so that he could address.
“I still want to insist that he should open his doors to local leaders so that we can iron out issues and ensure we read from the same script. His closed-door policy won’t help anything,” he said.
He added, “I have nothing personal against Governor Barchok but he should wake up and face the reality on the ground,”
Kipreres MCA Philip Korir said the incident was unfortunate saying the difference between the senator and governor had denied victims of the fire an opportunity to get help as many people left without making their contribution.
“Many people left without donating anything and I wish leaders can take their fights to boardrooms to avoid hurting helpless members of the public,” said Korir.
