This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, Deputy President William Ruto visited Kapsisiywa village in Nandi county, where he was pronounced the next kingpin to replace the late President Daniel Moi in a traditional ceremony.
According to Rev. James Baasi, the chairman of the Talai elders, the ceremony was an abridged version of the traditional Kalenjin enthronement, blended with strong Christian and biblical symbols and prayers.
Rev. Baasi clarified that the ceremony took only one hour and was attended by several leaders, including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, and MPs Julius Melly, Cornelius Serem, and Wilson Kogo.
The elders have refuted claims that DP Ruto visited them to seek special powers to stop the ongoing purge in the Jubilee party.
Rev. Baasi stated that the clan is not linked to sorcery and witchcraft as asserted on social media, and that the function started very early in the morning according to their culture.
During the ceremony, DP Ruto was adorned with sacred Kalenjin leadership regalia, including Sambut, Kuutwet, Sharit, and Rungut, as well as Kumiat and the Kalenjin Bible.
