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Baringo power rift: Kamuren, Kamket clash as November senatorial by-election looms

Baringo power rift: Kamuren, Kamket clash as November senatorial by-election looms
Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren while addressing residents at Marigat Town. PHOTO/Diaz Kiplele

Baringo South Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Kamuren has cautioned Tiaty legislator William Kamket against making statements he says could incite residents during political rallies in Baringo South.

The warning followed a rally in Marigat Town where leaders and locals gathered to celebrate UDA senatorial candidate Vincent Chemitei.

Accusations of division

During the Marigat event, Kamket urged residents to vote out Kamuren in future elections, accusing him of neglecting his constituents after failing to attend the celebration.

Kamuren later clarified that he had missed the event because he was away on official state duties.

He accused Kamket of showing disrespect to leaders and attempting to create unnecessary divisions within the county.

“Kamket has been the prince of chaos in Baringo, as seen by the high percentage of criminals from his constituency. What he is trying to push is a narrative aimed at destabilising the peace-loving Pokot and Tugen communities in Mukutani, who can easily be provoked by such careless political statements,” Kamuren said.

Kamket hits back

In a swift response, Kamket dismissed Kamuren’s remarks through a social media post, mocking him as a “crybaby” and suggesting he was panicking about his political future.

William Kamket’s post on Facebook. PHOTO/A screengrab by People Daily Digital from a post by Hon William Kamket/Facebook

“Someone is moving all the way from Nairobi to Marigat Town only to protect his votes,” Kamket wrote.

Tiaty legislator William Kamket during a past event. PHOTO/Diaz Kiplele

The sharp exchange highlights widening cracks among Baringo legislators. Four MPs, Kamket (Tiaty), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North) and Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), have styled themselves as the “four cousins”.

They have consistently clashed with Kamuren and Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie, who hold contrasting political views and strategies.

Rival ahead of by-election

The divisions were most evident during the recent senatorial contest. The “four cousins” threw their weight behind Chemitei, who eventually secured victory, while Kamuren and Kandie supported Daniel Kiptoo, alias DK777, who finished third behind Wycliffe Kipsang Tobole.

Attention now shifts to the November 27 by-election, as KANU chairman Gideon Moi is widely expected to enter the race. His anticipated candidature is likely to intensify rivalries and set the stage for an even fiercer political showdown in Baringo as opposing camps marshal support ahead of the polls.

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People Daily Digital Reporter

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