Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has suffered a blow after officials from his Chama Cha Mashinai party ditched him and declared support for Deputy President William Ruto.
The more than 30 party chairpersons from wards and subcounties said it was time for the community to stand together and rally behind their own for the sake of unity in the region ahead of the 2022 poll.
Led by Sotik chairperson Joseph Towett, the group said no matter the political differences that exist it was time they all supported Ruto just like other communities were doing in defending their leaders.
“It is time that as a community we come together and speak with one voice. In as much as we have differences, we ought to bury that hatchet and defend our kingpin so that he can clinch the top seat which he has set focus on in 2022. Even if we do not achieve the aspiration it is good when we are together,” Towett said.
He asked former political competitors in other parties to join them, saying “there comes a time when unity of a community is more paramount than personal differences.”
The group at the same time accused Rutto of misusing them, saying since the last election they have never been called to a meeting while only a few individuals who do not represent the party run its affairs.
“It is unfortunate some few people have been meeting without involving us as the grassroots officials. We have been hearing of meetings being held at the party leader’s home but we are not being informed yet we are elected and need to be kept abreast of such developments,” Hellen Kirui from Bomet east said.
They cited the recent visits by Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.
The move by the officials will weaken Rutto’s efforts to popularise the BBI in the region.
Rutto was not immediately available for a comment over the move by the officials.
Philemon Ruto, the group’s secretary, said it was sad that the party’s protocol has been breached. He gave the party’s secretary general Buzeki Kiprop a week to convene a party meeting to discuss the issues.
“If the period lapses without any feedback we are going to make far-reaching decisions which will affect the party in the county,” Ruto said.
Edited by Henry Makori
