Ruto Warns Narok Leaders Against Political Violence After Five Injured in Chaos
President William Ruto has issued a strong warning to political leaders in Narok County over the rising cases of political violence, urging them to stop encouraging divisions and work together to restore peace in Emurua Dikirr.
The President’s warning came after an early morning confrontation in the Mambo Leo area left five people injured with arrow wounds ahead of his scheduled visit to Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
Speaking during his visit to the area on Wednesday, Ruto called on leaders across Narok County to put aside their political differences and work together for the benefit of local residents.
The President specifically appealed to the governor, women representative, Members of Parliament and other local leaders to take responsibility for calming political tensions and preventing further violence.
“I want to call all the leaders here, from the governor, women rep and all other leaders. I want you to bring these people together. We don’t want fights and violence,” Ruto said.
He added that residents could only benefit from development if they lived together peacefully and avoided political conflicts.
“These people should live in peace so that we plan for their development,” the President said, emphasizing that peace was necessary for the government and residents to work together on projects aimed at improving the area.
Ruto’s remarks came shortly after violence was reported in Mambo Leo as political supporters linked to rival groups clashed ahead of his arrival in Emurua Dikirr.
The confrontation reportedly involved supporters associated with sitting Emurua Dikirr MP David Keter Dollarline and his political rival, Bernard Ngeno, popularly known as Buluu.
Five people were injured during the clashes, with the victims reportedly suffering arrow wounds. The incident raised fresh concerns over growing political tension in the constituency as leaders position themselves ahead of future political contests.
Buluu accused Keter of being behind the violence, claiming that the attacks were allegedly organized shortly before President Ruto arrived in the area. However, such accusations remain part of the political dispute surrounding the clashes.
The situation reportedly became tense enough for a presidential sweeper vehicle to be targeted by an angry crowd. The vehicle was allegedly pelted with stones as security officers moved in to contain the situation and prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
Security personnel were forced to intervene as they worked to restore calm and ensure that the President’s programme continued without further disruption.
The violence has occurred at a time when political activity in Emurua Dikirr has intensified, with different political camps increasing their presence and mobilizing supporters across the constituency.
The constituency has also recently attracted attention following a visit by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on August 21. His tour was reportedly accompanied by heightened security because of concerns that political differences could trigger confrontations between rival groups.
Ruto’s visit came with several major development announcements for the constituency, as the President sought to assure residents that the government remained committed to improving infrastructure, education and other public services in the area.
Among the major projects announced was the construction of a new university in Emurua Dikirr at a cost of Ksh1.2 billion.
The institution will be named after the late Johana Ng’eno, who served as the area Member of Parliament. The university is expected to expand access to higher education for young people in the constituency and surrounding areas.
“You asked me for the construction of a university here at Emurua Dikirr; I have today brought you Ksh1.2 billion for the construction of a new university that will be in honour of the late Johana Ng’eno,” Ruto announced.
The President also urged local leaders to focus their energy on development instead of political battles, warning that continued violence could undermine the progress residents are seeking.
His message to the leaders was that political differences should not be allowed to divide communities or interfere with government development programmes.
Ruto’s call for peace comes as political competition continues to grow in Narok, with rival leaders seeking to strengthen their influence among residents.
The President maintained that local leaders have a responsibility to unite the people, create a peaceful environment and ensure that development projects can be implemented without political disruptions.
The latest clashes have therefore placed renewed focus on the need for political leaders and their supporters to resolve their differences peacefully and avoid actions that could put residents at risk.
For residents of Emurua Dikirr, the President’s visit was therefore marked by both major development announcements and concerns over political violence, with the government insisting that peace must come first if the constituency is to realize its development goals.
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