This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
On December 5, 2019, a funeral in Trans Nzoia brought together Devolution cabinet secretary CS Eugene Wamalwa and Ford-Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula, a scene reminiscent of the 2010 Mabanga Peace Accord that united Sabaots and Luhyas ahead of the 2013 general election.
The Mabanga Peace Accord, now known as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), saw the two communities share political seats in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties following both the 2013 and 2017 polls.
However, a section of the Sabaot elders has been alleging that the community has received a raw deal despite the two communities signing a decree to share power and resources equitably.
Former Kitale deputy mayor Pius Kauka led a delegation to Wetang'ula's home in Bungoma to allow one of their own, Henry Ole Ndiema, contest the Trans Nzoia senatorial seat on the FK's ticket in 2013.
Wetang'ula's party initially turned down the request, preferring Ole Ndiema to former Cherangany MP Kipruto arap Kirwa as NFK's senatorial candidate.
Despite this, Ole Ndiema went on to win the seat as the FK candidate, leaving many surprised.
Recently, a section of the Sabaot elders crowned Baringo senator and Kanu party leader Gideon Moi as the community's leader, but this was quickly rebuffed by another group that alleged the Sabaots are solidly behind Deputy President William Ruto's quest for the presidency in 2022.
Since the 2017 senatorial results, Ole Ndiema has taken a low profile but is agitating towards the DP, with Mike Mbito, the Jubilee winner, rallying behind the DP, saying the Sabaot community can hardly run away from their kinsman at the time of need.
