This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Published on December 13, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto has been quietly crafting his preferred lineup for key positions in Kajiado and Narok counties, with eyes set on the governorship, senatorial and woman rep dockets in the two expansive counties in Maasailand.
At the center of Ruto's plans is Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito, who is being groomed to be the region's senator. This move is likely to spark a heated contest, pitting Katoo against incumbent Philip Mpayeei and former senator Peter Mositet.
However, Mositet is not a fan of Ruto, who he accuses of conspiring against him during the 2017 Jubilee primaries. Mositet is not alone in his grievances, as several other politicians, including former Olkejuado county council chairman Taraiya ole Kores and former East African Portland Cement managing director Simon Peter ole Nkeri, have also accused Ruto of meddling in Jubilee primaries.
Despite these allegations, Ruto remains a powerful force in Kajiado and Narok counties. He has dispatched his trusted allies, including senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Nakuru senator Susan Kihika, to drum up support for Katoo's candidacy.
Meanwhile, Governor Joseph Ole Lenku is facing a challenge from Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko and County assembly speaker Johnson Osoi, who are expected to form a united front to bring Lenku down. The governor's predecessor, David Nkedianye, has also thrown his hat into the ring, making the contest for the top seat even more intense.
