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Chama Cha Mashinani grassroots (CCM) officials in Bomet have protested alleged sidelining by the party.

More than 50 sub-county and ward officials said the leadership has turned its back on them as they are not being involved in party activities.

“We see party leader Isaac Ruto engaging in meetings and hosting leaders allegedly with grassroots officials yet we are not aware.

We would like to know whether we are still part of this party or we have been replaced,” Kenneth Chepkwony, Bomet Central sub-county chairman said.

Speaking in Bomet the county, the officials declared their support for Deputy President William Ruto’s bid for presidency in 2022.

“We want to make it known as CCM grass-root officials that we will support DP Ruto for the top seat and pitch for the party to get seats at the county level,” Chepkwony said.

Sotik CCM chairman Joseph Towett, said they are ready to go all out to campaign for the Deputy President.

Towett said being one of the front runners for the country’s top seat, they have decided that they will stand with him all the way.

“Whether he will win or not we have made up our minds to stand with him.

We are going to push and ensure the party endorses the position we have taken,” Towett said.

Bomet East Chairperson Hellen Kirui said the same way every region in the country would  stand with one of their own, the Rift Valley leadership has no option. 

“We do not want to fight one of our own when other regions are embracing their leaders and supporting them. This is the message we are sending to our party leader,” she said.

At the same time, they urged the Deputy President against endorsing the Building Bridges Initiative, a report that was yet to be made public.

“It is wise to wait for the document and its content to be made public,” said Philemon Ruto, a supporter.