Angry Kalenjin leaders are looking at fightback options should the Jubilee Party ditch Deputy President William Ruto and block him from running for president.
Though they consistently voted for Uhuru Kenyatta, they are considering switching votes and joining other alliances if Ruto is abandoned by Jubilee in 2022.
A section of lawmakers from the Nandi region, led by Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo, have been outraged by the removal of the DP's allies from leadership seats in Parliament.
In the Senate, Kipchumba Murkomen of Elgeyo Marakwet was voted out as Majority leader, Kithure Kindiki of Tharaka Nithi was removed as Deputy Speaker and Susan Kihika of Nakuru lost the Majority Whip's post.
Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo said on Sunday they were not opposed to building a united country and wanted to stay in Jubilee but opposed schemes aimed at dumping DP Ruto.
“Kenyans know what is happening and the ultimate target of the ongoing onslaught in Parliament," Kogo said.
Kogo and Kisumu-Nandi Elders Peace Committee chairman Charles Tanui attributed Ruto's woes to a clique of people operating within the presidency.
The two spoke in Kapsabet on Sunday.
Kogo was distributing 446 NHIF and identification cards to village elders from his Chesumei constituency.
“The Kalenjin community has sacrificed and given Uhuru Kenyatta enormous support, more than any other community in Kenya since 1998,” Kogo said.
“It was our own Mark Too who was sacrificed by then-President Daniel Moi and forced to resign as a nominated MP to pave way for President Kenyatta."
The Kalenjin community voted for Uhuru in 2002, 2013 and 2017.
Kogo and Tanui said the Kalenjin community is unhappy with the changes in government in the name of reorganisation.
“Let him [the President] make it public that he no longer needs the services of his deputy so that we can plan a way forward, including joining other alliances,” Kogo said.
The MP said the community is not interested in being pushed into opposition.
“We want to be in government and that is why we voted for Uhuru to the last man,” Kogo said.
Edited by A.N.
