A political storm is brewing within the Rift Valley after outspoken Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich launched one of the sharpest public attacks yet against a section of Kalenjin political leaders, accusing them of failing President William Ruto, neglecting the people who elected them, and weakening the political strength of the region through silence, corruption, infighting and poor leadership.

In a lengthy and emotionally charged statement delivered during a civic engagement forum in Eldoret town, Ngetich claimed that many leaders from the President’s political backyard have become “lazy, hypocritical, absent and disconnected” from the struggles of ordinary citizens, despite enjoying powerful positions in government and access to state resources.

The activist said the increasing murmurs of frustration emerging from within the Kalenjin community are not necessarily directed at President Ruto himself, but at leaders surrounding him who have allegedly failed to translate political goodwill and government opportunities into meaningful development for the people.

According to Ngetich, President Ruto continues to demonstrate resilience, political stamina and commitment to national leadership despite facing sustained criticism, insults and political attacks from sections of the opposition and online critics. However, he argued that many elected leaders from the Rift Valley have remained conspicuously silent during moments when the President required aggressive political support and public defense.

“The President has endured humiliation, political hostility, insults and coordinated character assassination, yet many leaders from his own backyard have chosen silence,” Ngetich declared. “A leader cannot be expected to fight every battle alone while those benefiting politically from his leadership hide in comfort and luxury.”

In remarks likely to trigger political debate across the region, Ngetich praised only a small group of leaders whom he described as consistently loyal and publicly supportive of the President. He singled out Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and presidential aide Farouk Kibet as among the few individuals who have remained visible, vocal and politically dependable during difficult periods for the Head of State.

“A commander becomes fearless because of the strength and courage of his soldiers,” he said. “When foot soldiers disappear during difficult moments, they weaken the authority and morale of the leader they claim to support.”

The activist accused a number of governors, senators, MPs and MCAs from the Rift Valley of abandoning grassroots mobilization and failing to defend government programs despite benefiting from the President’s popularity during elections.

He claimed many leaders only become active when the President visits the region or when political survival is threatened, describing such behavior as “opportunistic politics built on hypocrisy and fear.”

Ngetich further alleged that widespread corruption, inefficiency and poor management in county governments and constituency offices across the Rift Valley had contributed significantly to growing public dissatisfaction among youths, business communities and ordinary families struggling with the rising cost of living and unemployment.

According to him, some county administrations have failed to implement meaningful development projects despite receiving billions in public funds, while constituency development structures remain weakened by alleged misuse of resources and lack of accountability.

“There is massive public disappointment because people expected leaders from the President’s own community to set the highest standards in service delivery, accountability and development,” he stated. “Instead, some have turned public offices into centers of wealth accumulation and endless political competition.”

The activist criticized what he termed as excessive focus on political camps and succession politics within the region, arguing that leaders have become more interested in undermining one another than addressing urgent public concerns such as youth unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

“It is embarrassing that while citizens are demanding jobs and development, some leaders are busy funding bloggers, creating political camps and engaging in petty rivalries,” he said. “The people did not elect leaders to fight each other. They elected them to serve.”

Ngetich also expressed concern over what he described as the weak voter mobilization efforts within the Kalenjin diaspora, accusing regional leaders of failing to organize aggressive voter registration campaigns until President Ruto personally intervened and called on citizens to register in large numbers.

He argued that proactive political leadership requires constant engagement with the electorate rather than reactionary politics driven by instructions from above.

“The delayed response on voter registration exposed the absence of serious political organization within the region,” he noted. “Strong leaders do not wait to be pushed before performing their responsibilities.”

The activist warned that unless the current political culture changes, many incumbent leaders could face a fierce backlash from voters during the 2027 General Election.

In remarks that may resonate strongly among sections of young voters, Ngetich called on youths across the Rift Valley and the wider Kalenjin diaspora to begin preparing for what he termed a “massive political clean-up” aimed at replacing ineffective leaders with individuals committed to discipline, accountability, loyalty and public service.

“The next election must not be based on empty slogans, tribal emotions or political noise,” he said. “Citizens must evaluate leaders based on performance, courage, integrity and service delivery.”

Drawing historical comparisons, Ngetich referenced the political strength of former President Daniel arap Moi, saying the late Head of State managed to maintain political stability and authority partly because he surrounded himself with organized, dependable and aggressive defenders who protected both government policies and the interests of the community.

He also cited veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga as an example of a politician who has maintained influence over decades due to a loyal and coordinated support structure capable of defending his political agenda during difficult periods.

“No serious political movement survives without committed defenders and disciplined organizers,” Ngetich stated. “The strength of any leader is determined not only by personal ability but also by the quality and commitment of those around him.”

The activist warned that continued silence, underperformance and internal betrayal among leaders from the Rift Valley could weaken the political standing of the region nationally and undermine President Ruto’s long-term political agenda.

He described the current political environment as highly dynamic and demanding, arguing that modern leadership requires individuals who are visible, responsive, intellectually prepared and emotionally resilient.

“The President cannot afford to move into the future surrounded by cowards, sycophants and individuals who only appear when political benefits are available,” he said. “The country is changing rapidly and leadership must adapt to those realities.”

Ngetich further accused some leaders of failing to appreciate the President’s repeated emphasis on empowerment, trust, unity and loyalty within government structures.

According to him, President Ruto has consistently attempted to build a culture of inclusion and political empowerment, but some beneficiaries of that trust have allegedly failed to reciprocate through hard work and responsible leadership.

“There is growing frustration among ordinary citizens because many leaders have become disconnected from the suffering of the people,” he said. “The silence from some leaders during difficult moments has been interpreted by many as betrayal.”

He concluded by urging the Kalenjin community to remain politically vigilant and actively demand accountability from all elected leaders regardless of status or political connections.

“The future of the community depends on responsible leadership,” Ngetich declared. “Citizens must reject corruption, arrogance, absentee leadership and political hypocrisy. Leadership is a sacred trust, and those who fail the people must be prepared to face the verdict of the electorate.”