This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
Talai Elders Reject Ruto's Coronation as Kalenjin Kingpin ¶
On June 12, 2020, a group of Talai elders led by Stephen Sugut publicly rejected the coronation of Deputy President William Ruto as a Kalenjin kingpin, citing that the traditional ceremony was illegal and carried out by young men.
The elders claimed that the young men who conducted the ceremony did not consult the Kalenjin elders and declared the whole ritual illegal. They pointed out several anomalies, including the use of honey, which is contrary to the traditions.
According to Sugut, 'We are not against the coronation that was done at Kapsisiywa, but we are against the way in which it was executed for instance, there should be no use of honey when the leader is dressed with the Sambut.'
However, the Talai Council of Elders, led by Rev. James Baasi, refuted the claims, stating that Ruto visited Kapsisiywa village in Nandi County to attend an abdication and accession ceremony where he was installed as the Kalenjin kingpin following the death of former President Daniel Arap Moi.
Rev. Baasi explained that the traditional ceremony lasted for one hour and was blended with strong Christian/biblical symbols and prayers. He maintained that the clan is not associated with sorcery and witchcraft as claimed on social media.
The elders said DP Ruto was adorned with the sacred Kalenjin leadership regalia known as Sambut, Kuutwet, Sharit, and Rungut, and was also given Kumiat (honey) and a Kalenjin bible. They explained that Sambut symbolises warmth and accommodative/inclusive leadership, while Kuutwet and Royal Rungu represent authority, and Sharit is a symbol for shepherding.
According to the Talai elders, the kingship is now with the deputy president and that it is given to one person at a time, meaning that Dr. Ruto is now the sole leader bearing Kalenjin kingship mantle.
