The political spat between Bomet governor Hillary Barchok and Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader Isaac Rutto has been renewed barely a month after they agreed to tone down attacks against one another.
This was manifested when Barchok while on his campaign trail asked residents not to vote for the former governor arguing he performed dismally during his term.
The fresh attack comes in the wake of CCM joining the Kenya kwanza movement during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party delegates’ conference where Rutto who is running for the Bomet gubernatorial seat maintained that he is supporting deputy president William Ruto for the presidency.
Barchok has, however, said the move should not make residents believe he (Rutto) is the right person to lead the county as there was nothing to celebrate that he accomplished during his term as the governor.
“Let us be careful with the people we are going to elect this time round. Some are moving around with peddling lies that they are going to deliver this and that yet when you look at their track records there is nothing to smile about,” said Barchok indirect jibe the CCM party boss during a baraza at Sotik on Friday.
He cited the early childhood development centers which he claimed galloped millions of public funds yet nothing meaningful was realized as compared to what his administration has attained in the last four years.
Barchok, Rutto and John Mosonik who is also gunning for the Bomet gubernatorial seat on the UDA ticket were brought together by religious leaders and Kipsigis elders.
They vowed to conduct peaceful campaigns devoid of attacks and insults as they are models other aspirants would want to emulate.
It was after the trio’s supporters clashed during a meeting attended by Ruto at the Bomet green stadium, a move that agitated the elders from both the Myoot Council of elders’ and clergy who organized for cleansing and reconciliation.
Though Mosonik and Ruto have abided by the elders’ decree, Barchok has come out to warn the residents against falling prey to individuals who do not mean well for the county but are after their self-interests.
The county chief has, however, called for peaceful campaigns as the country heads to the general election set for August 9.
“Whether aspiring to be a member of the county assembly, governor, Member of Parliament, woman representative, senate or even the Presidency, let us all be peacekeepers and welcome all aspirants,” he said.
