In a time where politicians are usually afraid to speak out against the government, Mr. Isaac Ruto had no fear and went directly at President Kenyatta with his opinion on how things should be done in order for this country’s devolved governments work properly- which led him into an argument between himself plus other prominent leaders like Deputy president William Ruto and senior Jubilee administration technocrats/ politicians.
The political tension between the deputy president and his predecessor has been cooling lately, but there are still some flames burning. Other leaders have felt their power slip away as a result of these undercurrents that keep them on edge at all times for what may come next in this country’s leadership structure.
Mr Ruto, a former Bomet Governor, has refused to disband CCM and join UDA ahead of the next election.
Mr Ruto opens up on a myriad of socio-economic and political issues affecting the society.
Differences in politics are never permanent . Earlier, there were issues that we differed on including the push to have political parties merged and the question of devolution. I am an ardent devolution proponent and I would like it actualised as it is in the constitution. I would prefer a much more improved system of devolution. Dr Ruto was the chairman of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) when I served as the Council of Governors chairman where I was pushing for counties to get more resources.
The Dr Ruto and Jubilee team steamrolled the late Dr Joyce Laboso to have a woman face in this governorate contest. They’ve repeatedly admitted they did what was necessary, even if it wasn’t pretty or easy! I differing with friends on political issues but we patched things up after every disagreement–with President Uhuru Kenyatta first then DP again later.
With the DP, we met at the home of Joyce Korir, the Woman rep, in January last year. Of course he was of the view that I fold Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) and join him in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but I was quite categorical that we will support him as a party.
When President Daniel Moi retired, we agreed at a meeting in Eldoret with MPs Joseph Lagat, Charles Keter, Musa Sirma, David Koros and I that we will support him for the long haul, after he sought our backing.
Moi had retired and was receding in the political scene, but still felt he was around (as a community leader) after retirement.
There was absolutely nothing wrong when we mended fences with Dr Ruto in January last year. I have no quarrel with him on personal issues.
When the DP started expressing concern about the people in the juakali sector, I realised we had the same concerns.
