Several Whats App forums in Trans Nzoia County are awash with claims that local leaders snubbed DP Rutos church function in Kitale Town.
On Friday, DP Ruto attended the retirement function for PEFA North Rift region Bishop Samuel Thiong’o.
However, only Saboti MP Caleb Amisi showed up saying he had been invited by the church and did not attend the function because the DP was present.
Speaking at Kitale showground during the poorly attended gathering, Ruto said he will retire from politics in 10 years.
Ruto asked Saboti MP Caleb Amisi who has been his critic in Trans Nzoia to back his presidential bid in exchange for development in his area.
“I have opened several roads in TransNzoia, there is only a problem with Saboti, Caleb you should come to me so that I can help you realize development,”
“You are still a young man and I can mentor you after my retirement- because I am experienced in politics” he said.
He added “I will retire after 10 years, you serve a little bit and you retire. It’s not a must to serve forever. The bible says there is time for everything,”
Amisi said he supports a seven year term for president whose office bearer should only serve once.
He added that he supports the creation of a prime minister with two deputies to enhance inclusivity.
When the event ended, social media was awash with claims of poor attendance and a snub by local leaders.
Mose Fwamba posted on Inform Trans Nzoia, “There were no people ferrying today,”
Peter Kusimba said, “The organizers were unjust to our DP.Why on earth did they take him to the show ground instead of their church for the attendance to look reasonable?”
However, Cherangani MP Joshua Kuttuny took a swipe at the DP saying that he was lying by saying that he can mentor the youth, “Some people have no regard for Christian doctrines, lying in the church attracts a curse,”
Masibo Chris answered Kuttuny by telling him that as residents; they are busy cheering him and the DP as they differ.
He added that he is sure the DP will reconcile with Kuttuny in future and yet their supporters will hate each other.
“Ours is prayers Mhesh,”Masibo said.
In the past, the DP has always been flanked by several MPs whenever he visited an area.
However, President Uhuru Kenyatta recently asked Cabinet Secretaries and MPs to tone down political statements and concentrate on serving Kenyans.
MPs who occasionally traveled with Ruto were branded the TangaTanga brigade.