YOUTH allied to Deputy President William Ruto clashed with supporters of State House Adviser Joshua Kuttuny on Saturday in Maili Nane in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia county.
Police stopped the demonstration by Ruto’s supporters who were protesting against Kuttuny.
The youth accused the former Chreangany MP of undermining the DP by trying to scuttle his political ambitions.
A week ago, Ruto said Kuttuny is among politicians in Rift Valley praying for his jailing by the International Criminal Court at The Hague for his alleged involvement in the 2007-08 post-election violence.
He said Kuttuny is teaming up with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto in their efforts to see that he does not succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
The demonstration was organised by businessman Kiprono Barno. The demo turned violent when the two groups exchanged blows before police restrained them from engaging in violence.
“We cannot allow outsiders to undermine Kuttuny in his home turf. He has done a lot to support the DP and Jubilee Administration. Ruto should be the last person to point a at Kuttuny,” said a youth leader George Bitok.
His sentiments were supported by another of Kuttuny’s supporters Denis Chemonges.
Youth supporting Kuttuny claimed an aide to the DP planned the demonstration although Barno denied the claim. An activist claimed they had been given Sh300,000 to organise the protest against Kuttuny
The pro-Ruto group left Maili Nane area and proceeded to hold other demonstrations in support at
Tuigoin area.
Residents led by Rose Rono and John Waweru carried placards with writings in support of the DP and Jubilee Government.
They vowed they will not allow anyone to undermine the DP in the region.
“We will not allow them to use Cherangany as their base to disrespect Ruto,” said Rono. She said they will stand with the DP and continue to pray for him until the ICC case collapses.
Barno said they would carry out more meetings to show that the DP enjoys support.
Patron of the North Rift Youth forum Hezekiah Kosgey defended Kuttuny and condemned the incident saying outsiders were ferried to Cherangany to protest against the former area MP
– the-star.co.ke
