Photo/FILE From left: Mogotio MP Hellen Sambili, Eldoret South MP Peris Simam, former Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto Eldoret North MP William Ruto and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi at a Kamatusa meeting in Eldoret town on April 3, 2012.
By JONATHAN KOMEN jkomen@ke.nationmedia.com AND SAMUEL KOECH skkoech@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, April 7 2012 at 22:30
Posted Saturday, April 7 2012 at 22:30
IN SUMMARY
- While the MP has consolidated his backyard voting bloc behind him, the move might backfire nationally in light of the ICC cases
Eldoret North MP William Ruto’s move to revive the Kalenjin, Maasai, Turkana and Samburu (Kamatusa) bloc is a double-edged sword in his presidential bid arsenal.
Mr Ruto’s political scorecard has been raised, and he has consolidated his grip on the vote-rich region, even as the meetings turn into rallying points for voters to appraise aspirants ahead of the General Election.
This came out clearly as Major (rtd) John Seii, who was the master of ceremonies, kicked off the meeting by asking for a roll call of Kalenjin MPs.
In a dramatic show, Maj Seii asked the crowd inside St John’s Pastoral Centre in Eldoret to respond “Kawo neko” (has gone to herd goats) for the absentees, which was supposed to mean that they would not be re-elected.
In Kalenjin, the phrase “has gone to herd goats” is used literally to imply that one may not sail through despite tedious struggle.
Senior members of the clergy, council of elders, elected leaders and professionals from the larger community endorsed Mr Ruto’s presidential bid. Mr Ruto faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.
His co-accused are Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former head of the civil service Francis Muthaura and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang.
Mr Ruto’s and Mr Kenyatta’s quest for the presidency has attracted criticism from those who feel they should await the outcome of their trial before running for public office.
On the other hand, they face the possibility of a major hurdle should the trials begin ahead of the elections since they will be required to attend every session in person.
Church leaders made a surprise appearance at the meeting. Backed by other clerics, Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Cornelius Korir said the church caters for all people from all walks of life regardless of party affiliation.
“Our duty as the clergy is to bless what you decide and settle on. Maintain peace in all your political endeavours,” said Bishop Korir.
Bishop Jackson Kosgei of Worldwide Gospel Church of Kenya said it was an historical moment for the community, whom he regarded as long-lost sheep.
“We are happy today because we are drawing up the roadmap of where we are heading as a community,” he said. Maj Seii said it was easy for the community to become beleaguered, and URP was a godsend.
“We have spent nights in other people’s houses. It is high time we build our own house where we can conduct our issues without interference,” he said.
Added Major Seii: “It is good we have a near full house here, 24 out of 32 Kalenjin MPs. The time has come for us to protect the unity of our people and tackle pertinent issues affecting the community.”But the participation of the clergy attracted heavy criticism.
Provide direction
A statement by some elders from the Kalenjin community led by Eldoret politician Jackson Kibor said the clergy should have remained neutral.
“They should not have succumbed to the whims and machinations of the political elite and rather remain non-partisan and provide direction to all people without any regard for political affiliation,” they said.
Assistant minister Magerer Lang’at said they will soon organise another meeting at the same venue, where they plan to invite everybody irrespective of their political parties. “We will discuss socio-economic issues affecting the community,” he said.
The Kamatusa meeting resolved to collect three million signatures to compel ICC to defer the Kenyan cases.
Mr Lang’at, who is the MP for Kipkelion and a close ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, said he will only append his signature if it was meant to push the government to resettle internally displaced persons.
“How come these people did not consider the plight of the suffering? This is hypocrisy,” said Mr Lang’at.
The meeting ended with a dramatic call for athletes from the Kalenjin community to boycott the Olympic Games in London between July 27 and August 12. But in disapproving the call, Tom Murgor said it was unfortunate that leaders could advise the youth to sabotage their careers for political reasons.
“Athletics is the brand of this country. We should be cautious not to allow this to happen,’’ Mr Murgor said, “because next time they will tell our farmers to keep off their farms.”
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