Is Deputy President William Ruto facing rebellion from the Maasai?

By JECKONIA OTIENO

Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto’s grip on his Rift Valley bedrock faces a fresh threat following allegations that his allies are pushing for the removal of the Maasai from key positions in ministries under his United Republican Party’s wing of the Jubilee government

The imminent Maasai peel off is a continuation of the discontent that has been building in Mr Ruto backyard, with his supports accusing him of “being a bystander as coalition partner” as The National Alliance dominates public office appointments.

Maasai leaders interviewed concede that they are aware of the talks doing rounds that the deputy president’s allies are plotting to eject the Maasai from plum positions, but caution for patience until all vacant slots in Government and State corporations are filled.

Leah Ntimama, one of the leaders who led a vigorous campaign for Jubilee in Narok says it is too early to judge the Jubilee government and points out that the process of filling vacant positions is in progress. Ms Ntimama says it is premature to say the community is being targeted for removal.

“I still think we have a place in Government and we should not complain this early because, more appointments are coming,” she said.