Installation of DP Ruto as Kalanjin Kingpin Done Illegally, Elders Say

A section of Talai Elders has come out to dismiss the installation of Deputy President William Ruto as the Kalenjin kingpin.

Led by Stephen Sugut, the elders said the traditional ceremony in which DP Ruto was crowned as the sole custodian of the Kalenjin kingship mantle was illegal as it was conducted by young men contrary to the traditions.

“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 no use of honey when the leader is dressed with the Sambut,” Sugut said on Friday.

Last week, Talai elders led by Rev. James Baasi, a retired Anglican Church cleric, confirmed DP Ruto visited Kapsisiywa village in Nandi County to attend an abdication and accession ceremony.

During the ceremony, Baasi said, Ruto was formally installed as the Kalenjin kingpin following the death of former President Daniel Arap Moi.

He said the traditional ceremony, which was blended with strong biblical symbols and prayers, lasted for one hour.

“According to Kalenjin tradition, one would naturally abdicate the enthronement upon their demise. After Moi’s death, the royal regalia now needed a suitable successor to be handed over to through a legitimate ceremony. Friday’s ceremony was however an abridged version blended with strong Christian/biblical symbols and prayers,” Rev. Baasi said.

The elders handed Ruto sacred Kalenjin leadership regalia known as Sambut, Kuutwet, Sharit, and Rungut in addition to Kumiat (honey) and a Kalenjin bible.

The elders said Sambut symbolizes inclusive leadership, Kuutwet represents authority, while Sharit is a symbol for shepherding.