Even as a number of leaders from the region supported the ouster of Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen as Leader of Majority in the Senate and Majority Chief Whip Susan Kihika, residents of various parts of Central Kenya have castigated President Kenyatta over what they term betrayal of his deputy.

In Kirinyaga, a cross-section of the residents opposed the ouster of Mr Murkomen and Ms Kihika, warning that the President’s move could destroy the Jubilee Party.

Mr Jackson Mwiti, a Meru resident, said the gentleman’s agreement between President Kenyatta and Dr Ruto for each to rule for 10 years still stands.

While some leaders have supported the move, others feel that removing Mr Murkomen and Ms Kihika was unfair, with Meru Senator Mithika Linturi terming the agreement between Jubilee and Kanu “illegal” and “dictatorial” because the relevant party organs were not involved.

Former Kipkelion MP Parliament Magerer Langat said the purge by Mr Kenyatta of Ruto’s men was long overdue, saying Ms Kihika and Murkomen had “grown horns” and disrespected the President and the will of people.