This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto is intensifying his efforts to maintain a strong foothold in the Rift Valley region, a crucial area for his 2022 presidential ambitions.
On September 29, 2019, the DP presided over a major fundraiser in aid of nine churches in Kapseret constituency, the home turf of his close ally Oscar Sudi.
Mr Sudi confirmed the DP's attendance, stating that the event would be purely a church event and not political in nature.
During his tour, the DP is also expected to officially open the County Assemblies Sports Association (KACA) games on Monday at Eldoret Polytechnic, which will run until October 5.
The DP's visit comes amid growing dissent among the region's leaders on the direction the Kalenjin community should take ahead of the forthcoming polls.
A war of words has emerged between a section of lawmakers led by Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, who want the Kalenjin to make an independent decision on who will succeed President Kenyatta, and a rival group backing the DP Ruto in his presidential bid.
Mr Kutuny has vowed to scuttle Dr Ruto's presidential ambitions, arguing that he was not interested in championing for the community's interests.
Lawmakers allied to DP Ruto have dismissed Mr Kutuny's group, accusing them of being misused by outsiders to cause a split in the region.
The opposition is gaining popularity in the region following the 'handshake' deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM has disclosed plans to rebrand its offices in the region and carry out recruitment drives in preparation for national party elections next year.
