Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party led by President William Ruto. The move happened on January 5, 2026, when party officials received him at the UDA headquarters in Hustler Plaza, Nairobi. Photos from the event show Rutto receiving party colours and materials from officials. Isaac Rutto is the Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar welcomed Rutto. The party has worked to bring leaders together in Bomet County ahead of grassroots elections set for January 10. A day earlier, Omar met with Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Senator Hillary Sigei, MPs, and other local figures, including Rutto. Those talks focused on ending divisions within the county branch.
Rutto’s decision marks a big change. He served as Bomet governor from 2013 to 2017 under the United Republican Party (URP), which later merged into Jubilee. After leaving office, he founded Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) and often criticised the government. In the 2022 elections, he backed Azimio la Umoja and Raila Odinga against William Ruto.
The two Ruttos – Isaac and President William – come from the same Kalenjin community in the Rift Valley. They worked together early on but split ways years ago. Isaac Rutto challenged Jubilee candidates in the region and built his own base. His move to UDA brings him back to the ruling side.
People see different reasons for the switch. Some say it helps bring peace to Bomet politics, where UDA has faced internal fights over the upcoming party polls. Rutto still has supporters in the county, especially in areas like Chepalungu. Bringing him in could help the party stay strong there.
Others emphasise that joining the ruling party provides access to government projects and funds. Bomet needs better roads, water, and farm support. Rutto has spoken about development in the past. Being in the UDAmight help him push those issues more directly.
Online reactions came fast after the news broke. Many UDA supporters called it a smart step. One post said Rutto made a wise choice to support the government. Others welcomed the unity of the Rift Valley. A few questioned the timing, wondering if it ties to personal ambitions or the grassroots elections.
Rutto holds a national role as vice chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. That job keeps him involved in public matters outside party politics. He has stayed active in Bomet too, meeting with local groups and aspirants in recent weeks.
This kind of party switching happens often in Kenyan politics. Leaders move to stronger sides for better chances in elections or to influence decisions. For UDA, adding a figure like Rutto strengthens its hold in the South Rift ahead of future votes.
The grassroots elections will test how the system plays out on the ground. Counties like Bomet have seen disputes over whether to use consensus or full voting. National officials stepped in to calm things down.
President Ruto has not commented publicly yet on the joining. But the party seems pleased to have another experienced leader on board. Isaac Rutto’s full statement on why he joined has not come out yet. People will watch to see what role he takes next.
In Bomet, daily life goes on with tea farming and dairy work. Politics affects how resources flow, though. Residents hope the new unity brings real changes, not just more talks.
The story is still fresh. More details might emerge in the coming days about what Rutto plans inside UDA. For now, it stands as one of the bigger political shifts early in 2026.
