Ruto woos Boinnet, other poll losers to support Wesley Rotich

Ruto lauded them for backing the victors and encouraged them to keep up the spirit.

by SHARON MWENDE

News28 April 2022 - 14:02

In Summary

• Ruto seemingly adopted the negotiated dispute resolution mechanism after widespread hue and cry marred the recently concluded UDA nominations.

• Prior to the meeting, former IG Joseph Boinnet had rejected the nomination results claiming he won but the results were altered in Rotich's favor in the Elgeyo Marakwet gubernatorial race.

Deputy President William Ruto with the UDA Elgeyo Marakwet poll contestants at his Karen office, Nairobi on April 28, 2022. On the right is Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Deputy President William Ruto has continued to avert nomination-related fallout within the United Democratic Alliance Party by wooing losers in the primaries to support winners.

Ruto seemingly adopted the negotiated dispute resolution mechanism after widespread outcry rocked the recently concluded UDA nominations.

On Thursday, the DP met poll losers in the Elgeyo Marakwet primaries at his Karen office in Nairobi where he said they agreed to support the victors.

Among them is former Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, who lost the contest to Wesley Rotich in the gubernatorial race.

DP William Ruto with the former IG Joseph Boinett at his Karen office, Nairobi on April 28, 2022.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, Ruto said Boinnet had agreed to support Rotich.

Rotich garnered more than 42,000 votes while Boinnet, who came in second had about 32,000 votes.

Ruto appreciated the former IG, Josephat Sawe and Loice Kipkorir for agreeing to back Rotich.

Sawe and Kipkorir were also eyeing the UDA ticket for the governor seat.

"Hats off Elgeyo Marakwet gubernatorial aspirants for coming together and working as one," Ruto said.

Prior to the Thursday meeting, Boinnet had rejected the nomination results claiming he won but the results were altered in Rotich's favor.

He said he had no intention to seek redress or vie as an independent but felt sorry for the people of Elgeyo Marakwet.

"I leave everything to those who messed up with the exercise but I also cry for my people who will not have an opportunity to benefit from my service as a leader with long time experience and expertise,” Boinnet said.

DP William Ruto with the UDA Elgeyo Marakwet flag-bearer Wesley Rotich at his Karen office, Nairobi on April 28, 2022.

The UDA party, however, dismissed the claims saying the exercise was credible.

The DP further lauded Julius Chebiego, Thomas Maiyo, David Rono and Moses Lelmo who agreed to back Keiyo North Constituency nominee Adams Kipsanai.

During the meeting, Ruto also unveiled the UDA line up in Kericho County ahead of the August 9 General Election.

Deputy President William Ruto with the Kericho County line up for the August 9, polls at his Karen office, Nairobi on April 28, 2022.

He said Eric Mutai will fly the flag for the governor seat with Fred Kirui as the deputy governor, Aaron Cheruiyot will compete for the senator seat while Beatrice Kemei will vie for the Woman Rep position.

The Parliamentary candidates are Nelson Koech (Belgut), Hilary Kosgei (Kipkelion West), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi), Justice Kemei (Soin Sigowet) and Kibet Komingoi, Bureti.

The DP lauded the losers for supporting the poll winners and encouraged them to keep up the spirit.

On Wednesday, Ruto met with Halima Abdul, who lost the nomination race for the Eldama Ravine Parliamentary to Musa Sirma.

The DP also congratulated Jackson Kiptanui, Daniel Rono, and Archbishop Shadrack for agreeing to support Gideon Kimaiyo, the UDA nominee for MP Keiyo South.

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