Youths block Senator Gideon Moi from meeting Talai elders

Youths blocked Baringo Senator Gideon Moi from meeting Talai elders in Nandi County on Saturday.

Also Read: ‘Ruto’s coronation as Kalenjin kingpin was done illegally,’ – Talai elders

On Saturday morning, youths from Talai and Kapsisiywa barricaded the entry to the residence of Councillor Christopher Arap Koyoki.

Reports indicate that the councillor was to instal Senator Moi as the official Kalenjin leader, a position said to be occupied by Dr. Ruto.

The Senator was forced to turn back after irate youths blocked his convoy.

He later proceeded to Kabiyet Trading Centre to interact with other youth before he left the area.

Efforts by Councillor Koyoki to calm the down proved futile and he was also forced to flee to safety.

DP Ruto supporters block Baringo Senator Gideon Moi from entering the venue at Kapsisiywa in Nandi where he was to be installed as Kalenjin leader. pic.twitter.com/0WgJktNLu8

— Hot 96 FM Kenya (@Hot_96Kenya) January 2, 2021

On June 7 last year, Talai elders led by Retired Anglican cleric James Baasi said the Kalenjin kingship was now with the deputy president.

Rev. Baasi said the DP had been installed as the community kingpin following the death of former President Daniel Arap Moi.

However, a week later, a section of the Talai elders scoffed at the coronation claiming that the traditional ceremony was illegal.

Led by Stephen Sugut, the elders said the ceremony was carried out by young men contrary to the traditions.

The elders also noted that the young men who conducted the ceremony did not consult the Kalenjin elders.

“We are not against the coronation that was done at Kapsisiywa, but we are against the way in which it was executed for instance, there is not use of honey when the leader is dressed with the Sambut,” Sugut told Citizen TV.