The Kalenjin Council of Elders in Trans Nzoia (Myoot) has reprimanded a group of elders from the community, accusing them of undermining the unity and collective voice of the Kalenjin people and of criticizing President William Ruto.
The council, which held a meeting at Kachibora in Cherang’any Constituency, called for a public apology from those responsible.
They claimed that the elders had issued a divisive statement while falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the community on political matters of national and county interest.
"We consider their actions insubordination and a betrayal of our collective values and the respect our community accords its elders. The said statement does not reflect the official position of the Myoot Council of Elders," the group's Secretary Jeremiah Kipkering stated.
Former Marakwet West MP Boaz Kaino supported the council’s authority, stating that no other organ is mandated to speak on behalf of the community.
“The Kalenjin community in Trans Nzoia speaks with one voice through the Myoot Council of Elders. Any other group claiming otherwise is misleading the public," said Mr. Kaino.
The Chairperson of the Marakwet Council of Elders (Trans Nzoia chapter), Charles Kibor, expressed support for President Ruto’s leadership and acknowledged his administration’s role in subsidizing agricultural inputs.
"We are grateful for the subsidy of maize seed and fertilizer, which has greatly benefited our farmers. We stand with the President and support his transformative agenda," Kibor said.
James Sinja, an elder from the Sabaot community, urged all stakeholders to avoid ethnic politics, noting that Trans Nzoia has historically maintained peace despite political diversity.
“Let no one fan the embers of ethnic division for political populism. We must protect the peaceful coexistence our county is known for,” Sinja said.
Richard Arap Leitich, representing the Kipsigis community, and Job Arap Tuykong of the Tugen Council of Elders, also expressed support for President Ruto and called for unity among all communities.
"We commend the President for his effort to unite the whole country by reaching out to leaders from diverse communities. This is critical for national cohesion," said Mr. Leitich.
The Chairperson of the Nandi Kaburwo Council of Elders in Cherang’any, William Sawe, criticized efforts to politicize the ongoing court case involving Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
“Those using the governor’s court case to stir hate and division must stop. We must allow justice to take its course without political interference,” Sawe said.
Prominent women leaders within the council, including Gaudensia Jepkosgey Rop and Angeline Too, raised concerns over the emergence of splinter groups claiming to represent the council’s leadership.
“This misrepresentation must end. The community knows its true leadership, and we will not allow confusion to take root,” Jepkosgey Rop asserted.
The council reiterated its commitment to promoting unity, peace, and development in Trans Nzoia County, and called on all leaders to prioritize the interests of all communities residing in the county above political interests.