On January 30, a consultative meeting bringing together a section of Kalenjin leaders from Nakuru and neighbouring counties was held in Solai, with Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot as the chief guest.

The meeting has quickly become the subject of political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from several leaders, most notably Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who publicly came out and termed it a tribal meeting and gave a stern warning to Aaron Cheruiyot over the whole meeting.

It has, however, emerged that the meeting was carefully planned and coordinated with the blessings of President William Ruto and the knowledge of Governor Susan Kihika.

Rongai Member of Parliament Paul Chebor who spoke to Mtaa Wangu revealed that Senator Cheruiyot had been sent by President Ruto to represent him after the leaders sought an audience with him.

Mr Chebor noted that the meeting whose purpose was to address the development matters within their respective regions was openly planned with governor Kihika being informed of the same.

“We had tried to reach out to the President to set up an appointment to discuss a few matters that we needed help with, however due to his tight schedule we could not do so, therefore he told us to convey our concerns to the Kericho Senator and he would be able to hear them from him,” he says.

The Rongai legislator refutes claims that the meeting was political in any way.
“If there is anyone with any evidence to the contrary, let them produce it; I would point the finger to those who briefed the Governor, they must have given her the wrong brief. The time for politics will come, at the moment we are still looking at service delivery,” he states.

Liza Chelule, the Nakuru County Women Representative, also found herself at the crosshairs with the Governor pointing a finger at her over the meeting.

“Kuna mama hapa anasema yeye ni mama cohesion na kazi yake ni kuleta division, kama wewe ni mama county wa watu wa Nakuru ukae chini na watu wote, uwache ukabila,” said Susan.

During an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Liza Chelule reiterates the sentiments of the Rongai legislator and she says that they had only met to discuss development matters.

She further says that they had informed the Governor of the meeting in advance and Susan promised to send her Deputy Governor to represent her.

“On the day of the meeting the Deputy Governor was not able to attend the meeting and he gave his apologies,” she reiterates.
She says that apart from the allegations made against her by the Governor, she has never had a problem with her.

"I was fired for attending the Solai meeting,” ICT Chief Charles Koech says

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