Deputy President William Ruto has returned a traditional regalia, locally known as Sambut, which was used to crown him as a Tugen elder.
This is after the owner of the ‘monkey skin’ Kimitei Kiplagat, 93, demanded it back, saying he wasn’t consulted as an elder.
The DP was installed on May 24 in a colourful ceremony by 20 elders from Lembus- Kwen ward in Eldama Ravine sub-county.
However, the Tugen Council of elders rubbished the event saying they were not consulted.
“According to Tugen culture, it is a taboo to return back a garment or any other item after crowning someone…it automatically means the entire process has been revoked or rendered invalid” Tugen elder Joseph Noti from Salawa, Baringo Central Sub-county told the Star on Monday.
The Tugen’s Miot Council of elders Secretary Reverend Zachariah Chirchir blamed “unofficial elders” for embarrassing the DP.
He urged the said elders to apologize to the DP Ruto accusing them of ashaming the entire community.
