Details of Ruto’s new deal with NASA that will re-shape Rift Valley politics

dennis kibet

April 12, 2017 10:20 AM

Ruto said it was time the Kalenjin community forgave Nasa leader Raila Odinga.

Raila Odinga (left) and Bomnet Governor Isaac Rutto.

Rift Valley politics is set to change significantly following the striking of a new deal between Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and the National Super Alliance of Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula.

With less than four months to go, Ruto said that his Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party will enter into a pre-election deal with Nasa that will likely eat away into his former ally now turned bitter foe Deputy President William Ruto’s popularity in the Rift Valley.

Speaking at a vernacular radio station, Ruto said CCM and Nasa shared similar ideologies and what is left is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties.

Rutto had been given two weeks by the Kipsigis council of elders to negotiate with both Nasa and Jubilee Party to find the best option for the community heading towards the general election in August.

CCM candidates

In the new deal, Nasa will not field certain candidates in Ruto’s Bomet and several South Rift counties including Narok, Nakuru and instead support CCM candidates in exchange for his support.

Rutto said it is time the Kalenjin community forgave ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“It is time we forgive Raila. What did he do that cannot be forgiven?” he said.

“Jubilee has said they do not want us or even hear anything about us, so we have been in talks with NASA which seems to pursue similar interests as that of our CCM party," Ruto said.

During DP Ruto's recent visit to Sotik two weeks ago, he urged the locals to vote Ruto out.

He said the governor has been a stumbling block in the implementation of key projects in the region.

dennis kibet