This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
As the 2022 elections draw near, a subtle yet significant shift in South Rift politics has been unfolding. Behind the scenes, a coalition of leaders, including CCM's Isaac Rutto and KANU's Gideon Moi, has been secretly working with ODM's Raila Odinga to weaken DP William Ruto's hold on the region, particularly among the Kipsigis community.
According to sources, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has been quietly reaching out to regional leaders to solidify his position in Rift Valley politics. Last week's visit by Isaac Ruto, former MPs Zakayo Cheruiyot, Franklin Bett, and politician Paul Sang to Raila Odinga was not a coincidence, but rather a culmination of events that have been unfolding in the background for weeks.
“I saw the need to reach out to national leaders and Raila is one of them. We want issues affecting our people to be addressed in a manner that will enable them to live in peace and co-exist with their neighbors,” said Zakayo Cheruiyot, the former Kuresoi MP.
Raila Odinga has been making regular visits to the North Rift, with Elgeiyo Marakwet being his main target. He has won the heart of Governor Alex Tolgos and has the support of MP Joshua Kutuny. It is also rumored that Moiben MP Silas Tiren is warming up to Odinga.
Political pundits believe Raila's renewed interest in the vote-rich region is a strategic move to play a pivotal role in the 2022 polls. “Anyone who has been keenly observing the unfolding political events will notice that in recent months, Raila has escalated his talks with key leaders from North and South Rift, as well as gracing various functions in the vote-rich region,” says political commentator Harman Monyora.
To further this agenda, Senator Gideon Moi recently met with a number of leaders at Kabarnet Gardens, including Isaac Rutto, Buzeki, Silas Teren, William Kamkatet, Franklin Bett, and Zakayo Cheruiyot, among others.
