First, is there one? Many don’t think so. Not after most of its leaders, or the so-called tribal kings, have faced or are facing the 'hangman’s rope' for looting public coffers.
Finding a good leader is quite tricky now. You know corruption is the most stinging morality test for the leaders of this community mostly enmeshed in the Rift Valley, but which after tasting the sweetness of Nairobi and alike cities have slowly adopted nomadic lifestyles; being in the village over weekends and reappearing in the city during weekdays.
That's aside and a quick look at perceived leaders from this region:
He’s the topmost politician in the region. But as things stand now, he might have to ask for super services from leading face-surgeons to spruce up his heavily soiled face and character.You know, being named a top performer in class makes you an instant hero and every student will mill around you expecting endless benefits, however, being named a suspected key perpetrator of any sort of violence is no honey licking. It destroys the very core of your character, sends friends scampering to the safest of places, invites all kinds of enemies plus the very weakest of them, and other egregious invitees-this is Ruto's situation now. Some may want to argue that he is an innocent chap but in Kenya one is guilty until proven innocent.
His heroics are known. He surprised both foe and friend when he pulled substantial opposition during last August referendum and he consequently put the final coating on the belief that Kalenjin were in his pocket. But now he’s under siege and nobody seems to care about any heroics now. By the way, he’s suspended from cabinet.
Henry Kosgey
He struggles with eloquence but never unequivocal when it comes to defending himself. The ODM chair has also lost his job to thought of corrupt activities. The Kalenjin-man has kind of been very silent or undecided on matters tribal but his support on the ground has been strong enough. However, things are going south for him. Some people, led by Moreno-Ocampo, think he ordered the wanton slaughtering and drinking of blood by possessed youth from innocent Kenyans in 2007. For more information, ask Luis.
If there’s anything attractive left for this man, then it got to be his suit, only. Another Kalenjin deposed from top leadership!
Who else?
Franklin Bett? (A little laugh), sorry. He’s Raila’s stooge in Rift Valley. Serious. And if someone thought ‘stooging’ for Raila in the Rift now is like distributing Nyayo milk then s/he should be woken up or be asked to change his/her dream. It’s like biting a hard stone. So you can guess where FB’s fate lies now.
Dr Sally Kosgey.
The no nonsense Agriculture minister and former President Moi’s right-hand woman, is one admirable lady. She gave one Stephen Tarus, the former Aldai Mp, a sleeping pill politically and ran the show without any intimidation. Half a clap for her. It would have been full clap had she not been in Raila’s bandwagon. She’s not listened to just like Franklin Bett.
Isaac Ruto
Mmmh! (Almost heard someone shout in agreement). Right, the Chapalungu man has shown unwavering leadership qualities over the past few years. His eloquence and fearlessness should be attractive for the Kalenjins who are desperately in need of an untainted figure. Ruto kinda fits but what powers does he have nationally? None as at now. And it’s difficult to influence without power these days. However his common tirades in the august house could catapult him in future. (I hear he might be vying for Bomet County senator in 2012...not very sure).
Samuel Poghisio
He can make a good leader by the look of things. Unfortunately, he has not demonstrated enough to enable the Kalenjin to ‘like’ him. He’s weak and by the virtue of being elsewhere from where many Riftians were in 2007.
And others...
This other bunch comprises rookie-politicians whose hunger for fame drives them above anything else. Communal leadership should still be a pipe dream for most of these youngsters. Gideon Moi should be leading them, only them, and not Kalenjin.
This is the bitter reality. And every member of this community should be a little tweaked by this worrying inadequacy.
*Wild Solution: Kalenjin should 'borrow' someone from Western just like their forefathers thought of doing when they failed to find the right man to represent them in the LEGCO long time ago. Moses Mudavadi-a non Kalenjin-was fronted but he refused. This time round they could be successful unless another Moi rises soon!
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