The political rift between the Deputy President William Ruto and West Pokot governor John Lonyang’apuo is set to widen after the former endorsed Simon Kachapin for governor seat.
During is tour of West Pokot County on Friday, January 21, the DP called on the residents to vote in Kachapin as their governor in the forthcoming August election.
“Kachapin kuja, simama hapa. Tumekubaliana tutembea Pamoja? Tuko na governor ama hatuna? Governor wa West Pokot ako ama hayuko?” Ruto introduced Kachapin to the cheerful crowd.
The DP said praised the former governor saying he understands the bottom-up agenda of UDA and stands a better chance of implementing it to the grassroots.
Kachapin who is currently the CAS for Energy, was defeated in the last general election by Lonyang’apuo who vied on a KANU ticket.
The DP also lashed out those forming tribal political parties saying they are only aimed at dividing Kenyans.
“We have outsmarted our opponents with party, plans and ideas and now they have resorted to dividing us,” said the DP.
Ruto urged the residents not to be pushed into opposition, saying UDA is the only party with a national face.
“Some people want to auction the people of West Pokot. I will not accept the people of West Pokot to be pushed to the periphery. They must be at the centre where other Kenyans are,” Ruto said.
Recently the outspoken governor warned United Democratic Alliance party against erecting wheelbarrows in his county.
West Pokot governor launched his own party, The Kenya Union Party which he will be using to seek his reelection in the August gubernatorial election.
At the same time, Lonyang’apuo’s party has positioned itself to support Azimio la Umoja of Raila Odinga.
