Residents Heckle Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok In Front of Ruto

President William Ruto was caught in an awkward situation on Sunday, December 29, as Bomet residents openly heckled their governor in his presence.

Ruto attended a church service at AIC Konoin and thereafter took to publicly address Bomet residents in the presence of several dignitaries including Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok.

Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke revealed the extent of Bomet residents’ ill feelings towards the governor, as they were upbeat for a large part of Ruto’s speech but their demeanor instantly changed when the President gave Barchok a chance to speak to his people.

In the video, hundreds of Bomet residents who had gathered in Koiwa raised their hands to disapprove of Barchok before the President, who was lost for words on how he could help the governor amid an irate crowd.

Barchok attempted to calm the crowd but his efforts were only met with louder jeers from the crowd.

Amid disapproval from the crowd, Barchok attempted to fend shrug off the incident, telling the president that the county had ‘internal wrangles’.

“Your Excellency the President, you are welcome in Bomet. This is your home. We have our internal wrangles and we will deal with them. We don’t want interference. Once again, I say welcome to We are happy,” the governor could be heard saying.

This latest incident was a carbon copy of a similar occurrence in March 2024, when the Bomet governor was subjected to hostility in front of Ruto.

At the time, however, Ruto was quick to intervene, as he pleaded with the crowd to give the governor a chance.

“Please, I want to tell you that I do not want such behaviour in my gathering. You are the ones who elect MCAs, MPs Senators and even this governor, so please come down,” Ruto said in March.

The immediate reason why residents are against the governor has not been established, although his tenure over the last two years has been marred with controversy.

In August, Bomet MCAs were intent on impeaching the governor’s entire cabinet, but Barchok attempted to quell the onslaught on his cabinet by suspending three County Executive Committee (CEC) members in a bid to ease political tensions in the county.

Conflict between the MCAs and the CECs stemmed from KSh 96 million which was reportedly allocated to 25 wards through 10 different departments. MCAs, however, accused the governor of misleading the public regarding the funds, which subsequently led to criticism directed at the legislators.