Deputy President William Ruto's popularity in the Rift valley is under siege after falling out with his close allies in the just concluded Jubilee primaries.
The rift emerged after some of Ruto's close allies, led by Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, Nandi Hills Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Keter, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and State House Political advisor Joshua Kuttuny formed a new political team.
The four are now seeking to take control of the North Rift politics and are accusing Mr Ruto's aides of trying to impose leaders on the residents.
During their campaigns in the jubilee primaries, Mr Mandago and his team had accused Ruto's aides of undermining them and the community.
They further named Farouk Kibet and Isaac Maiyo as Ruto's aides who are attempting to interfere with the politics of the region.
“These are the people who want to mess our plan to have DP Ruto take over power in 2022 and we will not allow them to do that,” Sudi said.
Mr Keter further indicated the duo wanted "weak" aspirants to win the primaries.
The four won in their respective positions and plan to sustain their momentum until August 8 elections.
“We are the team that will stand for the interests of the people, not for selfish interests,” Sudi stated.
This latest fallout with his close allies puts the Deputy President's popularity in the Rift Valley at risk having already cut ties with South Rift political heavyweight Isaac Ruto who recently joined the National Super Alliance (NASA).
