Stop Ashaming the President, Uasin Ngishu Leaders Told

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has issued a strongly worded statement urging Members of Parliament and Senators from Uasin Ngishu County to immediately cease what he termed as “political bickering, insults, chest-thumping and divisive supremacy battles” that are threatening unity in the region.

Addressing the press in Eldoret, Kipkorir Ngetich expressed deep concern over the growing public hostility among elected leaders from the county, saying the trend was not only embarrassing but also undermining the spirit of cohesion expected from leaders drawn from the President’s political backyard.

“It is a total shame for such infighting to come from leaders in a county that produced the Head of State,” Ngetich said. “Uasin Ngishu should be setting the pace in matters of unity, national cohesion, inclusion and development. Instead, we are witnessing unnecessary political rivalry, clanism, abuses and superiority contests.”

Ngetich noted that as the country gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 General Election, leaders should be prioritizing service delivery and development rather than engaging in public confrontations that risk dividing communities.

According to the activist, the wrangles among the county’s political class are sending the wrong message to residents and the nation at large, especially given President William Ruto’s consistent call for unity and collective responsibility in driving Kenya’s development agenda.

“The President has continuously championed unity, inclusion and working together despite political differences. It is unfortunate that leaders from his own county are undermining the very principles he is promoting across the country,” he stated.

He warned that the ongoing disputes, if left unchecked, could trickle down to the grassroots and fuel tension among supporters aligned to different political factions.

“As leaders quarrel openly, their supporters and the youth begin to mirror that hostility. This is how divisions are created at the community level,” Ngetich observed. “It is the moral duty of any elected leader to bring people together and set a good example for the young generation.”

Ngetich further claimed that there were indications of external political influence fueling the divisions within Uasin Ngishu County. Without providing specific names, he alleged that certain opposition elements opposed to the government’s development agenda could be sponsoring infighting in a bid to weaken the President’s support base.

“We are aware that there are enemies of development who are uncomfortable with the President’s leadership and may be sponsoring divisions among leaders in this county,” he alleged. “Some reports indicate that there have been arrangements to mobilize and fund youth to heckle and undermine the President or his allies during public functions within Uasin Ngishu.”

He cautioned young people in the county against allowing themselves to be used as tools for political schemes, emphasizing that involvement in violence, incitement or organized disruption of public events could attract serious legal consequences.

“We want to tell our youth clearly — do not allow yourselves to be misused to spread hate campaigns or sponsored violence. The law will deal with individuals found culpable. Your future is more important than being used for temporary political gain,” he warned.

The activist also cautioned leaders against any form of incitement, abusive language or formation of militia-like groups, stating that such actions would not only destabilize the county but also threaten national security.

“Any form of incitement, insults, abuses or attempts to organize unlawful groups are being monitored. Anyone found engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law,” he said.

In his address, Ngetich appealed directly to President Ruto to pay close attention to the emerging political tensions within the county, arguing that the unity of leaders from Uasin Ngishu was symbolic and critical to the President’s broader political stability.

“The only respect Kalenjin leaders can give to His Excellency the President is to remain united and speak with one voice. The President fought and campaigned hard to ascend to power. We cannot afford to have individuals keen on destroying his legacy from within,” he added.

He issued a one-week ultimatum to the county’s legislators to reconcile and publicly commit to peaceful engagement, warning that failure to do so would lead to them being declared “enemies of peace, unity, harmony and development.”

“This unnecessary hatred must stop. If within one week the leaders do not reconcile and stop the hostility, we will officially declare them enemies of peace and development in this county,” he said.

Ngetich concluded by urging all elected leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to focus on delivering tangible development projects to residents rather than engaging in endless political contestation.

“Uasin Ngishu deserves better. Our people deserve leaders who prioritize roads, jobs, agriculture, education and business growth — not endless political drama. Let us protect the unity of this county and uphold the dignity of the presidency,” he said.

The remarks come amid rising political realignments and early jostling for influence ahead of the 2027 polls, with analysts warning that premature succession politics could heighten tensions in key political strongholds if not managed carefully.