Rift Valley legislators have urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to publicly distance himself from Deputy William Ruto, accusing him of leveraging his alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga to undermine the vice president. Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi stated the president's recent cooperation with Odinga appears politically motivated, aiming to weaken Ruto's influence.
Murkomen alleged the anti-corruption drive is a tactic to obstruct development projects in the Rift Valley, claiming there is a coordinated effort to halt infrastructure initiatives and incite political unrest against Ruto's base. Sudi echoed these concerns, urging Kenyatta to explicitly declare his stance on the deputy to resolve the ongoing factional tensions within Jubilee.
The remarks came during the funeral of Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones's son, where Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot also criticized the March 2018 handshake between Kenyatta and Odinga. Laboso argued the alliance benefits only political actors seeking personal gain, while Cheruiyot warned the president risks leaving a damaging legacy by aligning with Odinga.
Elgeyo Marakwet MPs, including Kangogo Bowen, accused Kenyatta of targeting Kalenjin officials through corruption investigations. However, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter defended the community, stating corrupt individuals should face consequences without implicating entire groups.
ODM leaders, including Siaya Senator James Orengo, called on Kenyatta to counter intimidation from Ruto's allies. They demanded the Directorate of Criminal Investigations compel Ruto to explain his knowledge of the Sh7 billion dams scandal, asserting the president must protect both his office and Odinga from political attacks.
