Heckling of local leaders mars Ruto’s tour of Nandi

President Ruto with Governor Stephen Sang and Senator Samson Cherargei during the development tour in Kapsabet last Friday / COURTESY

The public heckling of elected leaders during William Ruto’s tour of Nandi county last Friday has sparked both condemnation and introspection.

Ruto was in the county for a series of development activities before addressing residents in Kapsabet town alongside local leaders, including Governor Stephen Sang and area MPs.

During the rally, some residents refused to listen to several leaders, who were heckled in front of the President.

Ruto introduced the leaders one by one and invited them to address the crowd, but apart from Senator Samson Cherargei and Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, several others were shouted down by sections of the crowd and were unable to speak.

The incident appeared to surprise the President, who appealed to residents to allow the leaders to address them.

Residents have expressed mixed views about the incident. Julius Kitur expressed concern over the heckling, saying it denied leaders an opportunity to present development concerns to the President.

“Some of the local leaders who were present, including MCAs, left when they saw county leaders being heckled. The heckling was not good for our county,” he said.

Kitur said the incident meant residents missed an opportunity to engage the President on development matters affecting the county.

However, some residents said the reaction from the crowd reflected dissatisfaction with local leadership.

Community leader Ben Kipruto and activist Dan Kibet said residents expected leaders to be more accountable and responsive to their concerns.

“Our county has little visible development and residents are increasingly questioning how resources meant for the region are being used,” he said.

He added that residents wanted leaders to first address local concerns before seeking additional support from the national government.

Cherargei said leaders must remain committed to serving the public.

He thanked the President for visiting the county to unveil several projects, including affordable housing units in Kapsabet and other parts of the county.

Cherargei has previously criticised Governor Sang over governance issues in the county.

Sang, in turn, has in the past accused the senator of engaging in political disputes that do not help address residents’ needs.

Antipas Tirop, one of those eyeing the governor’s seat, said the incident reflected growing political competition in the county ahead of future elections.