Kanu allies demand Deputy President William Ruto's apology over 'insults'

Deputy president William Ruto at the Jubillee delegates meeting at Kasarani stadium on 9th september 2016 [PHOTO:DAVID GICHURU/Standard]

Several Kanu MCAs from West Pokot County have castigated Deputy President William Ruto for making disparaging remarks against Senator John Lonyangapuo.

The MCAs demanded an unreserved public apology from the DP to Prof Lonyangapuo and the county residents failing which, they will frustrate any attempts by Ruto to visit the region.

According to them, during a recent meeting with some Pokot leaders and grassroots delegates at his Karen residence, Ruto accused Lonyangapuo of dictating the Pokot community on charting their political destiny.

In remarks by the DP that went viral on social media, Ruto is heard saying the Pokot community should not accept to be misled by Senator Lonyangapuo.

Ruto urged the community to join the Jubilee Party (JP), saying they should not agree to be "misled" to remain in Kanu, which has refused to merge into JP.

Led by County Assembly majority leader Simion Kalekem, the ward reps condemned Ruto for "provoking the community" by undermining its elected leaders.

"If he does not apologise, then he should know he is not welcome in our county," he said.

Speaking in Eldoret town yesterday, Kalekem, who was with MCAs Samuel Limale (Siyoi ward), Thomas Ngolesia (Seker) and Simion Chumaker (Tapach) claimed the DP has persistently insulted the Pokot community because they have resolved not to join Jubilee Party.

As the MCAs held the press conference, their supporters and their Jubilee rivals in West Pokot County held parallel demonstrations over Ruto's remark.

Kanu supporters were the first to march on the streets of Makutano town, claiming the DP insulted their senator.

The MCAs and two of their colleagues from Baringo county then joined the demonstrators and accused Ruto of dividing the community and forcing leaders on them.

The demonstrators gave the DP two days to apologise to the Pokot community or else they will not vote for Jubilee in next year's General Election.

After Kanu demonstrators left the streets, Jubilee followers immediately took over.

Jubilee supporter James Achekchek said Kanu supporters are "frustrated since Jubilee has infiltrated the county".

"Kanu supporters have sensed defeat and that is why they are taking their grievances to the streets," said Achekchek.

West Pokot Deputy Governor Titus Lotee condemned the Kanu demonstrations, saying anyone who feels his rights have been infringed should go to court.