Saina, who read the statement signed by 22 out of 25 elders, said the rites performed on Ruto were in line with others done to previous leaders, among them late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Others who have undegone the rites are late President Daniel Moi, former President Mwai Kibaki, President Uhuru Kenyatta and now William Ruto. Koiyoki had told the Star that crowning Ruto in such a ceremony was like trying to disinherit President Kenyatta while still in office. “We are aware that elder Koiyoki was planning to have another person installed to rival Ruto, and that’s why we have decided to make it clear that no other Kalenjin will undergo such a ceremony,” Saina said. The community is credited with having produced among others former Eldoret North MP the late William Saina, former Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat, athletes Eliud Kipchoge, Patrick Sang, among others.

Source: The Star June 16, 2020 16:41 UTC