Former Bomet Governor seems to have crossed over to Jubilee Party. Ruto was among a delegation of leaders from the Rift Valley that welcomed President Uhuru to Kericho. Ruto, who was in a charcoal-grey suit and black shades, looked ill-at ease as he embraced the president amid wide grins from Deputy President William Ruto, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and a host of other politicians.

 

 

Isaac Ruto was one of the principals in the NASA coalition until he disappeared from the limelight following the loss of his seat to Joyce Laboso. Ruto was the coalition’s point man in the Rift Valley. He ran a spirited campaign, promising to get NASA at least 1 million votes from the region.

 

Ruto rarely accompanied his co-principals Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Moses Wetangula as they traversed the country drumming up support for their outfit. NASA leaders often said Ruto was not in their company because of the tough task he had to campaign for NASA in the Rift whenever questions over his whereabouts came up.

 

Other leaders who have crossed over to Jubilee include losers from Western Kenya led by former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga. Others include Busia governorship aspirant Paul Otuoma, Presidential aspirant Cyrus Jirongo. Former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende was also in the delegation that paid the President a visit at State House.

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The NASA coalition has also received losing defectors led by former Meru Governor Peter Munya. Munya had threatened to support NASA in Meru region after complaining that Jubilee honchos were favouring his opponent Kiraitu Murungi for the governorship. Kiraitu trounced Munya to become Meru’s second Governor. The coalition had earlier received a delegation of defectors from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo counties.