Leaders dismiss Kamatusa plan

By TITUS TOO

Some leaders in Rift Valley have dismissed the so-called Kamatusa meeting that endorsed Eldoret North MP William Ruto as regional leader.

Michael Kiplang’at, a businessman in Eldoret, addresses the Press at Highlands Hotel, along with other leaders. They denounced resolutions reached by Ruto’s allies on Tuesday. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/ STANDARD]

Energy Assistant Minister Magerer Lang’at and other groups criticised the Tuesday meeting saying those in attendance were invited selectively.

Others dismissed tribal groupings saying the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue is a court matter that will be deliberated by judges.

Lang’at convened a press conference in Eldoret as ODM supporters and youth held separate forum to denounce Kamatusa resolutions.

"I do not subscribe to the Kamatusa conference because it was a political party organisation and not a community meeting. We were not even invited through letters or SMS," said Lang’at.

The Kipkelion MP said those who were invited were supporters of a political faction.

"Members of the Kalenjin community are in various parties in their right as provided for by multiparty democracy. William Ruto has christened himself a crusader for democracy, but he is turning a dictator by declaring that URP is the only party in the region that can guarantee one to be elected," he said.

Lang’at, who is an ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, revealed that plans are under way for another meeting to counter the Tuesday forum.

All-inclusive

"We are planning another conference, which will be inclusive with members from various parties including PNU, Kanu, NVP and Narc Kenya among others," he said.

At the same time, Lang’at said those facing charges at the ICC should not blame Raila for their tribulations.

"The two principals were in support of a local tribunal, but MPs who are now criticising ICC process are the ones who voted for The Hague option in Parliament," Lang’at said.

Other leaders, who led ODM supporters in dismissing Kamatusa resolutions included North Rift ODM co -ordinator Said Keitany, Uasin Gishu politician Jackson Kibor, Jonathan Bii (Kanu), Kipkorir Menjo (Narc-Kenya), and David Chepsiror of Kanu.