Deputy President (DP) William Ruto is facing a defining moment in his political career after running into trouble with Jubilee party legislators.
The MPs from his Rift Valley background fell out with the DP, claiming that together with President Kenyatta, Jubilee party was frustrating independent minded legislators.
The group of rebel MPs led by immediate former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter are now threatening to divide the vote block ahead of the decisive 2022 elections to the disadvantage of Ruto.
Two camps have emerged: one loyal to the DP and the other loyal to the rebel MPs and seen to have close links to Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
)
)
)
The crisis was brought to the fore after Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and his Marakwet East counterpart Kangogo Bowen lost their seats.
The two were joined by others in condemning the president and his deputy for allegedly influencing the outcome.
Battle lines are already drawn as the two MPs head back to the ballot with Keter stating that the party could deny him the ticket.
Reacting to the news of losing his seat, Keter said that it was clear that “these two people don’t want us in their administration and the judgment annulling my election as your MP speaks volumes of government interference”.
“The journey has just begun. We might even be denied the Jubilee ticket. I know that I will not be given the ticket: But I will announce the way forward,” he added.
Commenting on Keter's predicament, Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng'eno declared that "the war of Armageddon has just begun. We are going to speak to the people. We cannot accept to be crucified. We will stand with the truth".
With Moi also declaring interest in the race, how DP Ruto handles this crisis and rally the region behind him will be a determining factor in the 2022 presidential elections.