Deputy President William Ruto is set to test the political waters in the South Rift on Sunday when he hosts President Uhuru Kenyatta in Bomet, the home turf of Governor Isaac Ruto who has openly differed with him over several political issues.
A section of the United Republic Party (URP) Members of the County Assembly from the Bomet County Assembly have alleged that there are plans by some residents to heckle the Deputy President at the rally to be attended by the President.
Rivalry between the DP Ruto and Governor Ruto, escalated last week, when URP headquarters expelled 9 MCAs who are said to be disloyal to the party, but Governor Ruto claims the expulsion is part of a bigger plan to oust him as Bomet Governor.
“They claim to have suspended the nine MCAs for allegedly not championing the interests of the party. These people represent special groups, including youth, women and the disabled,” said Governor Ruto.
The Bomet Governor has vowed to fight back.
“We will fight up to the end, the war is not yet over and it’s not near there.”
The rivalry between Deputy President and Governor Ruto is seen as part of a wider political battle over who gets to control the huge Rift Valley voting bloc ahead of the 2017 General Election.
Governor Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi are seen as alternate political voices in the region where the Deputy President has been the political lynchpin for several years now.
Sunday’s visit by the President and his deputy assumes even greater political significance given the political rivalry that is expected to play out between the supporters of the Bomet governor and those of the Deputy President.
