Calm reigns in most Ruto political strongholds
The peaceful countrywide demonstrations called by Azimio leadership to protest the high cost of living failed to take place in many regions in President William Ruto’s North Rift backyard.
A spot-check by People Daily in many towns in the region revealed that many residents were going about their daily activities unbothered.
This was witnessed in President Ruto’s Eldoret backyard, Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kapsabet (Nandi) and Kabarnet town in Baringo county.
Leaders in Nandi county led by Senator Samson Cherargei claimed that Azimio leaders led by Raila Odinga were trying to use the demonstrations to force an handshake with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We know this Mzee (Raila) with demonstrations. He used the same tactic with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. We call on President Ruto not to relent this time,” said Cherargei.
Busy in farms
In Eldoret it was business as usual with many shops, hotels and other businesses operating normally with residents vowing that they will not take part in the demonstrations.
“Hapa sisi hatujui maandamano. (We are not concerned with demonstrations). We are busy procuring fertilizer and preparing our farms for the next planting season and taking our children to school after the half term break,” Jackson Mutung’,” a resident.
The residents said what they were concerned about now is going on with their business and looking for school fees for their children.
Some Azimio supporters in the region led by ODM North Rift chairman Kipchumba Kaptogei and the ODM Uasin Gishu County Secretary General Evans Odhiambo, however expressed their support for the demonstrations vowing to join their counterparts in Nairobi.
