Kipsigis Council of Elders have defended a visit by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Kericho on Monday over sh. 34 billion Itare Water Dam project.
This followed accusations to Raila Odinga by Nakuru governor Kinuthia Mbugua for trying to meddle with the mega water project which is set to benefit his county.
The elders led by their organization’s secretary Edwin Kimetto said that Raila has a right to visit the whole country including Kericho and Bomet Counties.
He warned governor Mbugua against interfering with the resources of the Kipsigis, saying that he will face the wrath of the community including a curse.
Speaking to the press in a Kericho hotel, Kimetto said that the leaders from the South Rift region has failed to defend the community and the former prime minister is the only leader who can speak for them.
The elders have opposed the construction of sh. 34 billion Itare Water Dam at Ndoinet Forest in Mau, which is set to benefit over 800,000 households in Nakuru and Baringo counties.
They said that diversion of water will lead to drying up of rivers in the South Rift region.
On Monday, Raila met with the elders in a three hour closed door meeting at Exotic Hotel in Kericho.
This happened only a week after elders met with Kericho leaders at Tea Research Institute to discuss the issue but no agreement was made.
The leaders  who attended the TRI meeting included Kericho governor Paul Chepkwony, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, members of parliament Joseph Limo (Kipkelion East), Erick Keter (Belgut), Justice Kemei (Soin/Sigowet), Leonard Sang (Bureti) Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi) and Kericho County MP Hellen Chepkwony.