- Kanu MP attended Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi's swearing-in ceremony held at Kabarnet show ground.
- Kanu is affiliated to Azimio La Umoja coalition of Raila Odinga.
Reelected Tiaty MP William Kamket has praised President-elect William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza for victory in the August 9 election.
The Kanu MP won a second term and on Thursday attended Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi's swearing-in ceremony held at Kabarnet show ground. Kanu is affiliated to Azimio La Umoja coalition of Raila Odinga.
Kamket was accompanied by his competitor, former area MP Asman Kamama who vied and lost on a Kenya Union Party ticket.
“I actually cast my bet on presidential candidate Raila Odinga, Senator Gideon Moi and the woman representative Gladwel Cheruiyot but lost all. I accept the thorough beating and I beg, please accommodate me back,” he said.
The MP said once Ruto is sworn in as the fifth president he will be among the many leaders who will make frequent visits to the State House. “Some people will get shocked by this,” he said.
During his campaigns Ruto called on the Pokot and Ilchamus pastoral communities in Baringo county to come on board and join his camp to form the next government.
Kamket praised Ruto, saying he won fairly although he received fewer votes from Tiaty, a perceived stronghold of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
“I can personally attest the votes were tallied at Chemolingot, my home, turf were the same reflected at the national IEBC tallying centre at Bomas of Kenya. There was no rigging whatsoever,” he said.
Kamket was received by the United Democratic Alliance leaders including Baringo Senator-elect William Cheptumo, Woman Representative Florence Jematia, Baringo North MP- elect Joseph Makilap, Musa Sirma (Eldama-Ravine), Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio) and Baringo-born Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui.
County Commissioner Abdirisak Jaldesa and police commander Adams Bungei attended the inauguration ceremony.
“It is about time we the leaders of Baringo should unite to address the challenges facing us, so I welcome my brother Kamket,” Cheptumo said.
The leaders further tasked the Tiaty legislator to take swift action to talk to his people to stop frequent deadly banditry attacks and coexist with the neighbouring communities.
“I am sure if Kamket with the other elected leaders from Tiaty can go around just the same way they traversed the area to hunt for votes, this time around to preach peace, then peace shall definitely be reclaimed,” Cheptumo said.
He was backed by Jematia, who emphasized the need for peace as a priority, saying there shall be development until banditry is gotten rid of.
“There should be no pretence of talking development when innocent people including children fearing for their lives are still living in the bush,” she said.