Kalenjin ritual sparks tension in the country

dennis kibet

April 24, 2017 9:54 AM

Worrying times.

Jubilee Party supporters allied to Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago squat on the Eldoret- Webuye Highway.

The scenes of Kalenjin youth chanting and performing local cultural rituals on the streets of Eldoret town has caused panic and fear of violence reminiscent of those witnessed during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

The clip which has been circulated widely on social media, shows the youth numbering in their hundreds squatting on the streets as they chanted and uttered oaths in Kalenjin which amounted to war cries.

The youths were supporters of incumbent Governor Jackson Mandago who had led protests of alleged rigging of the Jubilee Party nominations.

Mandago together with several area leaders had vowed that no nominations would take place as the process was massively flawed.

Mandago accused Deputy President William Ruto and several aides at his office for planning to rig him out of the race in favour of his main rival Bundotich Kiprop popularly known as Buzeki.

The Uasin Gishu security team led by County Commissioner Abdi Hassan was forced to convene an urgent meeting following rising tension in Eldoret Town after the rituals.

Mandago criticised

Buzeki condemned Mandago for leading the youth and called for the governor to apologise in what he termed as incitement that could potentially lead to violence.

Kenyans took to social media to condemn the act.

Martin Njeru Njagi wrote: "This is not right if you want to make a point do it in the ballot box. We want peace not returning as to 2007. We will not condone violence because of petty minded individuals."

"When will we learn? Is warmongering all we have to offer to the electorate? Sometimes i want others to call their bluff.... lets see what happens...," Chelangat Doris Cheptilda said.

Moses Arap Koros wrote: "This is just but foolishness. it brings more damages than good to mandago. I think bensouda is watching them."

dennis kibet