Enough of ‘Kapkugo’ antics, Sabaots tell off President Ruto as they call for own county

By Isabella Maua

Mt. Elgon Sabaots have come out to strongly demand for prioritization and well representation in Kenya Kwanza government.

Some of the elite and leaders from the region have accused President Ruto of giving them false promises during the 2022 campaigns so as to earn their votes.

Speaking with the The Times Newspaper, John Shikuku an opinion leader in the region who’s also an educationist cum politician stated that the president should uphold his pledge to the Sabaots and keep off using them as a campaign tool.

“The president should give us our own county by 2027 or else the Bukusus get the deputy governor position while the Sabaots also enjoy the gubernatorial, senatorial and Women representation in the August house,” stated Shikuku.

Not only that, we should also have at least 2 constituencies; we cannot have 3 sub counties in one constituency as it is now it’s unacceptable,” Shikuku reiterated.

Simotwo Cherotwoi, an Ogiek leader in Mt.Elgon echoed these sentiments citing lack of proper presentation in the national and county government,”noted Simotwo.

“Kenya is still an ethnic based nation and unless the president signs the bill for us to have our own county, we shall never get a chance to self develop and enjoy the 30% fund allocation,” he cited.

On the other hand, he proposed that Mt. Elgon be given 4 constituencies including: Chepkitale, domiciled by the indigenous Ogiek, Elgon East, West and Central.

The Sabaots who are a marginalized tribe decry neglect from president Ruto despite the fact that they boast of a close relationship of Kapkugo which symbolises the ethnic roots of president Ruto.

The county narrative has been a controversial topic which to some extent has created an animosity between the Sabaots and adjacent luhya community.

It is now up to the presidency to intervene or the people take up the initiative of collecting the possible 76,000 signatures in the quest to bring to realization the creation of Mt.Elgon County.