The spectre of being publicly booed, jeered and heckled may have forced Ruto to cancel accompanying Uhuru to Eldoret.
A year into the Jubilee Alliance rule, Deputy President William Ruto yesterday shocked his backyard by staying away from a series of stop-overs President Uhuru made in Eldoret after attending the military pass out parade in the town.
Increasingly, Ruto has become a man under siege from his own backyard with allegations that he is eating honey alone. Powerful community voices, many wealthy and experienced in their own rights, have fallen out with the DP over what is seen as his overzealous support for all government decisions even those which ‘victimize’ his own community.
Initially, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter was seen as a lone ranger attacking Ruto without a cause but that was before former powerful internal security permanent secretary and Kuresoi South MP Zachayo Cheruyiot joined in. The two, together with Isaac Rutto who has maintained a formidable defence of devolution, have roped in others who are now openly showing their disaffection with the Jubilee government.
The rumour is that Ruto was warned by intelligence that he will be heckled and mocked publicly before his boss and beaming national TV, so the clever thing to do for the Kamagut born DP was to keep off the event. His president had to do with local hawkers most of whom are from his Mt Kenya turf.
The natives of Eldoret did NOT even show up to see the amazing presidential limousines and the accompanying escort.
Just a few days ago former Roads minister Frackline Bett released a video calling on Ruto to go back to the electorate and resolve the emerging burning issue. Bett publicly said the ground was on FIRE and that ONLY Ruto can put off by answering tough question