President Uhuru Kenyatta focused on maintaining his grip on the Kalenjin community votes, amid growing splits and threats of disunity that could deny him the support he needs to faceoff with the Opposition in August. During the trip, there was focus on Ruto as most Jubilee candidates expected him to declare support for them. Mandago and the two MPs threatened to urge the Kalenjin community in Uasin Gishu to support the Opposition to protest against Buzeki’s bid. The rivalry between Buzeki and Mandago has sparked heated politics in Uasin Gishu, Eldoret town in particular, where Buzeki enjoys massive support. Uhuru was also forced to change tack during his campaigns in the North Rift, where he largely dwelt on asking for his own votes after deep divisions played out between Jubilee candidates and the independents.

Source: The Star June 11, 2017 20:42 UTC