Ruto Furious After Bomet, Kericho Governors Booed at His Meetings
Political tension boiled over in Bomet as President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua presided over development projects in three constituencies. Supporters of Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and Senator Hillary Sigei engaged in stone-throwing in the town’s business hub shortly before the President arrived. The conflict lasted over an hour, with stones littering the town, forcing businesses to close and disrupting traffic along major highways.
Police had a hectic time separating youths who were throwing stones and blunt objects at each other, disrupting traffic along the Bomet-Narok and Bomet-Kisii highways. The situation escalated further when President Ruto presided over the opening of the Chemamul transformer project in Bomet East constituency. During the event, Governor Barchok faced repeated heckling, prompting President Ruto to intervene.
“I do not want this kind of chaos in my meetings. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is a party that embraces order. Allow the leaders to make their speeches and if they have not performed, wait and deal with them in the next general election by voting them out,” Dr. Ruto said at Kapkesosio Trading Centre in Chepalungu.
In Kericho, the scenario replicated itself as Governor Dr. Eric Mutai was shouted down by the crowd. Dr. Ruto had to intervene again at Belgut TTI when Dr. Mutai was heckled during his speech. “If you are not satisfied by the performance of some leaders, the only time to make your point known is during the election season, but not mid-term. Let the leaders serve their term and deal with them later,” Dr. Ruto said.
The incidents in Bomet and Kericho highlight the challenges local leaders face in meeting constituents’ expectations and maintaining order. It underscores the necessity for stronger communication and engagement strategies to address local grievances and foster unity.