President Uhuru Kenyatta is scheduled to visit parts of the Rift Valley, where political temperatures are heating up with Deputy President William Ruto facing growing rebellion from a section of URP and Kanu leaders.
MPs and senators in the Rift Valley allied to Ruto have said they will ensure the Deputy President remains the kingpin in the region.
Uhuru will visit Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties between April 8 and 10 for a series of meetings. He will be hosted by Ruto.
Uhuru has been invited by Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat to preside over the county investment conference in Kapsabet.
Sources said Uhuru and Ruto will also go to Eldoret town for a leaders’ meeting.
Early this month, the President’s visit to Eldoret was cancelled at the last minute after fears that maize farmers would protest over marketing problems they have been facing.
The maize issue has turned into a thorny matter in the region with farmers complaining that the Jubilee administration is unfair to them.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto, who have opposed Ruto, have been dismissed as hired political brokers who will not shake the Deputy President’s political base in the Rift Valley.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi told the Star on the phone that they stand by Ruto.
“People who are idle can keep running around to keep themselves busy, but for us, we are focusing on bigger things as the Jubilee team,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said they will work to unite Jubilee affiliate parties under JAP.
“Those who think they have capacity to fight had better prepare well,” he said.
Yesterday, Kanu leaders accused Ruto of abandoning the region and perpetrating politics of self interest which caused them to seek alternative leadership.
Kanu has lined up more rallies for Gideon in Ruto’s backyard this weekend.
He will visit Marakwet and Keiyo for more meetings as Ruto allies also plan to host a series of meetings in the region.
Kanu secretary general Nick Salat told the Star the party will be strong in the 2017 polls.
