Elgeyo Marakwet Governor and Deputy Clash on Stage Over Speech Time

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and his deputy, Grace Cheserek, nearly came to blows at a public event in Kapyego on Sunday, November 8. The argument started over how long Cheserek was speaking.

Rotich grew impatient as Cheserek addressed residents. He interrupted her and told her to sit down. "Sit down, stop this childish behaviour," he was heard saying. He also said she had contributed no money to the county.

Cheserek refused to stop. She told the governor that she had the right to finish her speech. "Please let me finish my speech, Governor. You did not bring me here," she replied. She then pressed on with her address.

During her remarks, Cheserek criticised Rotich's record. She accused his administration of failing to deliver healthcare and education services. She also said he leaned on handouts to win support rather than fixing real problems.

The row reached its peak near the end of her speech. Rotich reportedly ordered his security team to remove her from the stage. 

Videos shared online show Cheserek reaching for the governor's microphone. A security officer assigned to Rotich stepped in and led her away. Some residents at the forum cheered for the governor and dismissed the deputy's remarks.

This is not the first public clash between the two leaders. In August, at the launch of the translated Marakwet Bible in Tot, Marakwet East, Rotich introduced his county executive and other officials, but left out his deputy. 

Cheserek stood up, took the microphone, and demanded recognition. She told him to stop belittling her.