By Remmy Butia
The Central Rift Valley, a region that has long been a political and cultural stronghold for the Kalenjin community, has seen a significant shift in its leadership dynamics over the past decade.
The passing of veteran politicians such as Taita Towett, Kipkalya Kones, Lorna Laboso, and Joyce Laboso marked the end of an era characterized by charismatic and unifying figures who commanded respect across the community and beyond.
Today, the region is grappling with the question of whether it can reclaim its former leadership charm and reassert its influence in Rift Valley politics.
The Legacy of the Past
The late Taita Towett, Kipkalya Kones, Lorna Laboso, and Joyce Laboso were not just politicians; they were symbols of unity, resilience, and vision for the Kipsigis community.
Towett, a seasoned politician and intellectual, was instrumental in shaping the region’s political discourse. Kones, a fiery and passionate leader, was known for his unwavering commitment to the community’s development.
The Laboso sisters, Lorna and Joyce, broke barriers as women in leadership, inspiring a generation of young leaders and demonstrating the power of inclusivity.
These leaders were not only respected within the Kipsigis and Kalenjin community but also played pivotal roles in national politics.
Their ability to unite the community and articulate its aspirations made them indispensable figures in Kenya’s political landscape.
However, their passing left a void that has yet to be filled.
The Current Political Landscape
In the absence of these towering figures, a new generation of leaders has emerged, each vying to step into the shoes of their predecessors.
Among them are Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, former Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, former Roads Minister Franklin Bett, and former MP Zakayo Cheruiyot (ZK).
Others include Paul Sang, Beatrice Korir, MPs Nelson Koech, and Johanna Ng’eno “Ngong.”
While these leaders have made significant contributions to the region, the question remains: Can they collectively or individually restore the Central Rift Valley’s leadership charm and unite the Kipsigis community as their predecessors did?
The Challenge of Unity
One of the most notable attempts to unite the Kipsigis community in recent years came from former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.
Through his Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party, Ruto sought to create a grassroots movement that would address the community’s needs and aspirations.
However, his efforts were hampered by the broader national political dynamics, particularly the dominance of the two major political coalitions, Jubilee and later the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Despite his passion and commitment, Ruto’s CCM struggled to gain the traction needed to unify the community under a single political umbrella.
The Role of Emerging Leaders
Today, leaders like Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok and his Kericho counterpart, Dr. Erick Mutai, are working to address the region’s challenges.
Both governors have focused on development agendas, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
However, their influence remains largely confined to their respective counties, and they have yet to emerge as unifying figures for the entire Kipsigis community.
Similarly, younger politicians like Aaron Cheruiyot and Nelson Koech have shown promise, leveraging their positions in the Senate and National Assembly to advocate for the region’s interests.
Cheruiyot, in particular, has gained national recognition for his eloquence and legislative acumen.
However, the transition from being effective legislators to community-wide leaders is a challenging one, requiring not just political skill but also the ability to inspire and unite.
The Path to Recovery
For the Central Rift Valley to recover its leadership charm, its current leaders must focus on unity, vision, and service delivery.
They need to transcend personal and political differences and work together to address the region’s challenges.
This includes investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as creating opportunities for youth and women.
Moreover, the region’s leaders must cultivate a sense of identity and purpose that resonates with the Kalenjin community.
This involves honoring the legacy of past leaders while embracing innovation and inclusivity.
By doing so, they can inspire confidence and rally the community behind a shared vision for the future.
The Central Rift Valley stands at a crossroads.
While the region has produced a new generation of leaders, the challenge of reclaiming its leadership charm and uniting the Kipsigis community remains daunting.
The legacy of leaders like Taita Towett, Kipkalya Kones, and the Laboso sisters serves as a reminder of what is possible when visionary and unifying leadership is in place.
Whether the current crop of leaders can rise to the occasion and restore the region’s political prominence will depend on their ability to transcend individual ambitions, embrace inclusivity, and articulate a shared vision for the future.
Only then can the Central Rift Valley once again lead the Kalenjin community with the same charm and influence that defined its past.
