URP ongoing split--mashinani are bitterly divided

[RV Pundit]

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Police were deployed to restore calm after chaos erupted at an anti-referendum rally in Kapsabet, Nandi County. The rally was organised by United Republican Party ( URP) branch officials to counter the 'Pesa Mashinani' campaigns led by Governor Cleophas Lagat. Trouble started after a group of pro-referendum youths attempted to disrupt the rally but were repulsed by the opponents of the national vote. The governor's chief of staff Timon Kosgey who was in the group sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to Kapsabet District Hospital for treatment. He was scheduled to be airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment. It ended prematurely when pro-referendum supporters who included personal assistants of County Executives sought to disrupt the anti-referendum rally. Enraged residents accosted the goons before arrival at the rally venue where chaos erupted. Several supporters of the governor were seriously wounded as security agents arrived at the scene to quell the chaos. See also: URP leader calls for political sobriety Nandi residents led by United Republican Party ( URP) branch officials yesterday denounced Governor Lagat's stand on the referendum, terming the governor, his deputy Dominic Chepyagan, Nandi-Hills MP Alfred Keter and some Members of the County Assembly as "backstabbers who had betrayed Deputy President Wiliam Ruto". URP national executive officer David Koech and branch chairman Sammy Choge issued a statement to oppose the current calls for the referendum, for which Lagat has publicly declared support. Accompanied by Senator Stephen arap Sang, Woman Representative Zipporah Kerring, MPs Cornelly Serem (Aldai), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei) and Kirwa Bittok (Mosop), 25 MCAs and Nandi Council of Elders, the party leaders rejected referendum calls and asked the governor and his deputy to toe the party line. "It is in the interest of Nandi to protect URP's reputation. The Nandi URP branch and residents hereby declare that we stand with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in saying no to the referendum," said Mr Choge. He said the party expects the governor, his deputy, rebel MCAs and Keter to tow the party line or risk disciplinary action. Residents threatened to vandalise a car which was carrying 'Yes for Referendum' placards which were being ferried to the rally. By the time of going to press, Lagat had not been reached for comment.

[RVtitem]

WSR has grown up to be a Raila. This is awful. He always has the first opinion on every matter that might affect the government, but often, the PORK intervenes.

[Omollo]

These are the very mistakes of stubbornness that we saw in Raila. He was being led on by Nyong'o and Orengo and ended up becoming MaDVD's poodle. The price has been heavy.

Now WSR is busy ruining his base. TNA wants him to lose the base so he can be less forceful.

[TheDayTheDollarDies]

Pro-referendum youth attack Anti-referendum youth, they get beaten up like idiots and we blame Ruto? SMH. Raila's madness always affects his supporters.

[kadame]

Pundit, bandika link when you post an article from another website, yawa. 

[Omollo]

There is something missing in the story. It sounds very much like a NIS edited story. It makes little sense as it projects the Pro-Reform/ Pro-Governor forces as incompetent, unreasonable and aggressors.

The way I see it, the Pro-Referendum group went to attend the function and were instead welcomed with violence.

[RV Pundit]

In facebook the same fight is on; Kalenjin are now in two camps;

[Omollo]

In facebook the same fight is on; Kalenjin are now in two camps;

Only the Kalenjin? You should count properly! These guys are out to divide the country down the middle to avoid sharing cash. Coast, Western, Nyanza, NEP (Garissa) and of course RV. This is a dirty tactic.

For us, they have been using Kidero and Obado. Dalmas was given a job in the Sudan to help him mess up Nyanza. In Western, the Madvd-Wamalwa-Lusaka axis failed when Kombo was beaten. You have Mutua in Machakos extending his tentacles to Makueni to cause trouble.

Duale is at war with his Governor

[RV Pundit]

Look good to me...50-50 split.

[Omollo]

Look good to me...50-50 split.

1. TNA and WSR have already lost Pesa Mashinani
2. Now they are risking being swept aside by the anger they are generating. Wananchi vote out of enthusiasm for something (Mapenzi) but nothing beats anger (Hasira) when it comes to mobilizing votes. They are transforming the love people had for Pesa Mashinani in to anger. Anger will ensure a few issues they don't really want but which can sc##rew Uhuru and GEMA along with WSR )(if he insists on hanging on their coattails) also pass just to make a point!

[Kichwambaya]

Its difficult for leaders sometimes to adjust to the reality on the ground.  This is the first time WSR is the leader of a political party. Its a different being a leader and being a follower.  WSR now has the same problems he used to blame Raila for if not more.

[Omollo]

Both men (Uhuru and Ruto) do not have a good track record on political parties. WSR had issues with UDF before he decamped to URP which he is now bungling.

Uhuru destroyed KANU and the way things look, he is on limp in TNA. No elections have been held and the appointed officials are now in office illegally with some (Oloo) breaking the law. Ole Sakaja is unwanted by the rank and file and the day he calls elections which will be closer to the next General Election, there will be a blood bath leading to splits and defections.

Solution to party problems: Call as many meetings as possible but beware you could go in as the boss and come out without a job.