In his message, Makali urged Kalenjin elders to summon their "son," President William Ruto, for a candid conversation aimed at urging him to tone down his approach to leadership.Makali described the presidency as something far from a matter of life and death. He pointed out that Kenya has continued to function smoothly long after previous leaders left office......To Read More CLICK HERE
The trigger for this renewed focus came on February 21, 2026, when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, speaking in a pointed interview with Kalenjin journalists and later amplified across media platforms, accused President Ruto of systematically sidelining the Kalenjin community in favour of development projects in Nyanza.
Gachagua, who remains a vocal critic despite his own political battles, claimed that the President whose 2022 victory heavily relied on the combined Kalenjin and Mt Kenya votes — has “taken everything to Nyanza” in a bid to court new alliances ahead of re-election.
He described the Rift Valley as feeling “abandoned,” with infrastructure, jobs, and resources allegedly diverted elsewhere, while praising the Kalenjin people’s historical contribution to nation-building and warning that such treatment risks alienating a loyal base.
The remarks, made on Kalenjin radio stations, have reverberated across the region, sparking heated debates on social media and in local political circles about whether Ruto is taking his core supporters for granted.
In Kalenjin culture, elders (often organised through councils like the Myoot Kipsigis Council or the Talai Council) have long played a pivotal role as custodians of wisdom, mediators, and kingmakers.
They blessed Ruto’s rise, facilitated past reconciliations (including calls for unity with figures like Gideon Moi), and even urged dialogue during the 2024 Gen Z protests. Now, political analysts, community leaders, and ordinary citizens are increasingly looking to these elders to break their silence.
“ The community has wise advisors who can guide President Ruto to avoid potential pitfalls,” one prominent voice noted in recent online discussions echoing the sentiment.
Speculation is rife that a meeting could be convened soon possibly involving clans from Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Baringo, and Nandi — to deliver a frank message: address the development imbalance, prioritise local grievances such as roads, youth unemployment, and agricultural support, and consolidate Kalenjin unity before it fractures.
This is not the first time elders have been summoned in moments of tension. In 2025, the Talai Council publicly pushed for a “handshake” between Ruto and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi to strengthen Rift Valley cohesion.
Earlier historical interventions, such as urging reconciliation within the URP or backing Ruto during his ICC days, underscore their influence. With electioneering already subtly underway, the stakes are higher: any perceived betrayal could open doors for rivals to poach votes in what has historically been Ruto’s fortress.
On the government side, President Ruto has continued to engage the community directly. In recent public appearances, he has switched to the Kalenjin language while promising renewed infrastructure focus, including major road projects starting in 2026.
The administration has also rolled out initiatives like a KSh 3,000 monthly stipend for village elders effective July 2026, signalling recognition of grassroots structures.baba2e
0 Comments