Five Jubilee Party lawmakers from Elgeyo Marakwet County have accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of orchestrating a political campaign to undermine Kalenjin interests, alleging anti-graft investigations are designed to hinder William Ruto's 2022 presidential ambitions.
The MPs, joined by over 30 local council members, claimed the probe into Arror and Kimwarer dam projects disproportionately targets Kalenjin officials. They specifically highlighted Finance CS Henry Rotich's four-day interrogation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, noting he approved 22 other dam projects nationwide.
Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen stated the probes were a tactic to weaken Ruto's political standing, saying, 'If Uhuru doesn't want Ruto, he shouldn't sacrifice Kalenjins. Let him deal with Ruto directly.' Bowen accused the president of using graft investigations as a political tool to advance his own interests ahead of the 2022 elections.
William Kisang, another MP, criticized the alleged political alliance between Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga, claiming it marginalizes Kalenjins. 'They speak of unity while dismantling opportunities for our community,' he said. Kisang referenced former President Daniel arap Moi's 2002 endorsement of Uhuru, noting it did not guarantee his victory.
Speakers called for equitable investigations into all dam projects, including those in the president's central region. Woman Representative Jane Chebaibai defended the dams as critical for addressing insecurity in the Kerio Valley, while county assembly Speaker Philemon Sabulei demanded uniform scrutiny of all government projects.
