This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has suffered a significant setback in his bid to consolidate his support in the South Rift ahead of the 2022 General Election, following the death of Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso on July 30, 2019.
Laboso's death has weakened Ruto's stronghold in the region, where he had been working to defeat Chama Cha Mashinani leader Isaac Ruto and assert his dominance.
Laboso, who had been a key strategist in the South Rift, had helped clip the wings of Isaac Ruto, who had been engaged in a supremacy battle with the Deputy President.
According to political commentator JM Waiganjo, if Isaac Ruto does not gravitate towards Ruto's faction, the latter is likely to lose the support he enjoys in Bomet.
Waiganjo observed that Laboso's death has created a power vacuum in the region, which could be exploited by other politicians, including Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, who is also vying for the presidency.
Dr Ruto had been seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta and had been working to consolidate his support in the South Rift, where he enjoys significant backing from the Kalenjin community.
Laboso's death has also created a rift in the Jubilee Party, with some leaders expressing sympathy for Ruto, while others have been critical of his handling of the situation.
Dr Ruto had described Laboso as an iconic leader who had empowered women and championed peace and harmonious relationships among all communities.
