Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto on Tuesday stated that his Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) Party had reached an agreement to work with the National Super Alliance (NASA) in the August elections.
The Governor noted that his party reached the agreement because NASA had sound minded leaders who were interested in ensuring equality in sharing of resources and development projects across the country.
"We have bargained for what CCM will get in the NASA government, and we only need to sign a memorandum of understanding,” Ruto stated, while speaking to reporters.
Ruto mentioned that in the agreement, his party would support the NASA presidential candidate on condition that they would not field candidates for Governor, Senator and Woman Representative in Nakuru and Narok counties, but instead will support CCM aspirants.
The Governor also noted that the deal would make him part of NASA's decision-making team that would help him facilitate equitable spread of resources and development projects, an initiative he said he had not seen with the current regime.
“I have trusted people for too long. South Rift has no referral hospital. People travel 200km to seek medical attention. I want to join NASA and be part of the decision-making,” Ruto Stated.
Governor Ruto's ally Edwin Kimeto, who is also an elder in Bomet, in an interview with The Star, mentioned that a huge public rally would be held in Bomet Stadium on Saturday, where Ruto is expected to announce the pact.
Kimeto further stated that Opposition leader Raila Odinga would be the main guest at the rally, which would bring together the Myoot council of elders, Kipsigis clans and associations, among other leaders from the community.
“We shall make a key declaration as the community…the meeting is a culmination of the timeframe we issued to the CCM party leader to engage the two main coalitions. So expect some good news,” Kimeto stated.
Jubilee Leaders led by National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale, however, termed the deal as inconsequential and stated that the Governor had committed political suicide.
"There are senior politicians from the Rift Valley who have taken the same route Rutto is taking now, but I want to assure him he will meet the same fate,” Duale stated.
