Rift Valley Hostility: Residents Heckle Leaders with “One Term” Chants Over Relocated National Holiday
ELGEYO MARAKWET — President William Ruto’s political backyard of the Rift Valley has delivered a sudden jolt to his 2027 reelection calculations after disgruntled residents interrupted local political speeches with loud “one term” chants.
The unrest erupted in Elgeyo Marakwet County following the government’s controversial decision to move the host venue for the upcoming national holiday celebrations away from Kamariny Stadium to neighboring Uasin Gishu County.
A video circulating widely online shows an angry crowd heckling Kenya Kwanza leaders who tried to rally support for the President’s second-term bid.
The gathering turned hostile as residents continuously drowned out political speeches, shouting down leaders and insisting that the current administration should serve only a single term.
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The anger stems from longstanding frustration over the delayed completion of Kamariny Stadium in Iten. Locals were expecting the iconic sports facility to host the upcoming national fete, viewing the event as a key catalyst to boost local business and complete the stalled project.
However, news that the main venue had been shifted to Eldoret in Uasin Gishu sparked widespread indignation across the county.
In an attempt to quell the rising tension, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen explained that the event would instead be co-hosted across three neighboring counties: Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu.
Despite Murkomen’s assurances of shared benefits, local residents firmly rejected the compromise.
Protesters have threatened further demonstrations and openly declared plans to invite former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to address them if the primary national event is not restored to Elgeyo Marakwet.
The unexpected hostility in a traditionally solid voting block signals growing political complications for President Ruto as he seeks to secure his home base ahead of the 2027 general election.
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