Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, and Deputy President William Ruto have been making headlines in recent months, as the three political kingpins battle for supremacy in the vast Rift-valley ahead of the August 8 general elections.
The August election will be a knockout time between Rift-Valley’s biggest politicians and ultimately crown the Rift’s top political game changer, with each one of them battling to clinch various political seats.
During the burial of former nominated MP Mark Too in Januray 2017, Deputy President William Ruto and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi clashed before President Uhuru Kenyatta, with Moi accusing DP Ruto of creating enmity between the Kalenjin community.
“No one should ever tell me that I am dividing the Kalenjins. If you are truly a leader of the Kalenjins, and you see people not of your view, you sit down and talk with them. You don’t go abusing them,” Moi said.
Moi and Isaac Ruto, who is also the party leader of Chama Cha Mashinani have been traversing different parts of Rift-Valley popularising their parties, a move seen as an attempt to weaken Mr Ruto politically.
Deputy President William Ruto on the other hand has been traversing the voter-rich region in an effort to deliver the Kalenjin votes to President Kenyatta.
On Saturday, Ruto pitched camp in Boment, Isaac Ruto's doorstep as he seeked to popularise the Jubilee Party.
Analysts say Ruto and Gideon Moi's war is about 2022 succession politics, with both leaders aiming to take the mantle from Uhuru Kenyatta.
[Gideon Moi and William Ruto. The two are the main political players in the Rift Valley politics, and will shape the region as the country prepares for the August 8 elections.