This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 7, 2020, Deputy President William Ruto was crowned the Kalenjin Kingpin in a ceremony held at Kapsisiywa village in Nandi County.
The event, led by Rev. James Baasi, marked a significant moment in Kalenjin tradition, as the traditional ceremony was held to crown DP Ruto as the new Kalenjin Kingpin following the death of former Head of State Mzee Daniel Arap Moi.
According to Rev. Baasi, the ceremony lasted for one hour and featured Christian symbols and prayers, blending traditional Kalenjin customs with Christian elements.
“According to Kalenjin tradition, one would naturally abdicate the enthronement upon their demise. After Moi’s death, the royal regalia now needed a suitable successor to be handed over to through a legitimate ceremony. Friday’s ceremony was however an abridged version blended with strong Christian/biblical symbols and prayers,” Rev. Baasi stated.
Rev. Baasi also addressed claims that the Kalenjin clan is associated with sorcery and witchcraft, stating that these claims are baseless and that the ceremony was a legitimate expression of Kalenjin tradition.
