The dispute erupted after Cheruiyot hosted a meeting in Solai, Nakuru County, bringing together leaders from South and Central Rift regions, reportedly focused on Kalenjin community interests. Kihika, during a tour in Nakuru West on Saturday, accused Cheruiyot of importing tribalism into the cosmopolitan county. She described the gathering as an attempt to sow seeds of division, warning that Nakuru belongs to all tribes and has no room for ethnic politics.
"You can’t come from Kericho to sow seeds of tribalism in Nakuru, a home to all tribes. If that is your agenda, you are not welcome," Kihika declared to a supportive crowd. She further cautioned outside leaders against meddling in local affairs through what she called divisive "night meetings" aimed at undermining her administration and stirring trouble.
Cheruiyot has dismissed reports of deep rifts, praising Kihika's past loyalty to Ruto during the 2022 elections. However, the public exchange highlights underlying tensions over regional influence, resource allocation, and leadership positioning within the Kalenjin-dominated Rift Valley bloc a vital voting base for UDA.
Analysts view the spat as symptomatic of broader jostling for power ahead of 2027, potentially weakening party cohesion in a region that delivered strong support in previous polls. With opposition groups consolidating elsewhere, such internal cracks could complicate Ruto's efforts to maintain unity and momentum in his political heartland.
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