Across section of Baringo Leaders last Thursday mobilized resident to protest in opposition to the intended proposal to impeach Deputy President William Ruto as succession politics thickens in the country.
The protest however turned ugly after police in full riot gears attempted to disperse the irate crowds who had assembled at the county headquarters in Kabarnet town to register their displeasure with the planned move.
Several business premises remained shut for the better part of the day as police engaged the demonstrators in running battles and at some point the police lobbed teargas canisters to contain the surging crowds in vain.
It later emerged that the residents were irked by recent remarks by Baringo Women Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot which appeared to demeaned the office of the Deputy President William Ruto.
Leaders led by the Speaker, David Kiplagat, declared their support for Deputy President bid for 2022 presidential race insisting that no amount of intimidation will stop his ambition.
“People are saying Ruto is a lone-ranger, but today, Baringo residents have proved them wrong by turning up in large numbers and showing them that Baringo is behind the Deputy President all the way to the year 2022,” the Speaker affirmed.
Mr. Kiplagat also reminded the people of Kabarnet about the promise President Uhuru made during the 2017 elections campaigns in Kabarnet of supporting his Deputy in the 2022 General Elections.
He also thanked the people of Baringo for turning up in large numbers to support the Deputy President in his time of need as the current impeachment plan by a section of leaders.
Jennifer Kabon, Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Kapropita Ward, questioned why the police refused to grant the people permission to hold their demonstrations while in other parts of the country peaceful demonstrations were taking place.
She urged Baringo residents to continue supporting the DP, whom some leaders are afraid of because of his popularity and hence want to take him down by impeaching him.
The MCA for Mochongoi Ward, Kipruto Kimosop, said he will not allow the DP to be disrespected in the city and also in Baringo because Baringo belongs to Jubilee and it’s also another home for Rutto.
He further added that William Kamket, Tiaty Member of Parliament and Gladwell should know Baringo is a Jubilee zone and if the DP’s impeachment goes through the County Assembly of Baringo will push for the impeachment of KANU MCAs in the house.
“I want to tell James Orengo, Francis Atwoli and Raila Odinga that Ruto has his people and they should not try him or things will go ugly for this country,” Kimosop said.
Mr. Reuben Chepsongol, the Majority Chief Whip in the County Assembly, stated that he was angry with Cherangany Legislator, Joshua Kutuny, who he accused of thinking he is in control of the Rift Valley, he urged him to join the DP’s camp before he loses the little support he has in the Rift.
He also urged James Orengo to halt the impeachment move because it is bound to fail, adding that if he persists the Jubilee leaders are ready for it and the outcome will be in favor the DP.
“I urge the President to support the DP because he also supported him in the 2017 General Election and helped him win the elections,” Chepsongol said.
By Cleophas Kibiwott and Christopher Kiprop
