The ongoing political tension in Uasin Gishu County escalated on Sunday afternoon during a fundraising event at Moi’s Bridge Township, as Soy MP David Kiplagat’s rivalry with Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, alias Koti Moja, was Publicly witnessed.
The event, organized to raise funds for victims of a fire disaster that had ravaged property in the area, was attended by several UDA-allied leaders, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok.
What started as a smooth gathering quickly turned chaotic when a group of goons, allegedly linked to Koti Moja’s faction, stormed the podium in an attempt to disrupt proceedings after Kiplagat’s name was introduced.
Videos circulating on social media show a dramatic scuffle erupting on stage as Kiplagat was being acknowledged, with the disruption escalating as more residents rushed to the podium, forcing police officers present to intervene.
The officers, however, were briefly overwhelmed by the surge of citizens, some of whom engaged in physical confrontations, further escalating the situation.
This incident marks the latest chapter in a bitter and ongoing feud between Kiplagat and the governor, which has been unfolding for over a year.
The rivalry between the two leaders dates back to a series of public accusations from Kiplagat, who has alleged that Koti Moja has been using social media platforms and political brokers to undermine him and other county leaders.
Kiplagat accused the governor’s allies of orchestrating smear campaigns in his Soy constituency, aiming to tarnish his reputation in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections
Kiplagat’s claims included allegations that Koti Moja’s political allies were using official county vehicles to carry out these smear campaigns.
He singled out Chief Officer Nominee Eliud Chemaget, who was reportedly at the center of the social media attacks, which included disparaging comments about Kiplagat and other politicians in the region.
These political tensions were further aggravated by Kiplagat’s decision to host a gathering of 10 North Rift MPs at his home, a move which Koti Moja’s camp viewed as an attempt to assert political dominance in the region.
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