3 Hot Political Contests in Uasin Gishu to Watch

It is just a matter of months before Kenyans go to the polls to elect their leaders who will serve for another 5 years.

The general election is expected to be held on August 9, 2022, where voters will elect the President, Senators, Governors, MPs, MCAs and Women Reps.

We take a look at some of the biggest political contests in Uasin Gishu that many will be keenly following, not only at the county level but also nationally;

Governor

Being the biggest seat at the county level, the gubernatorial contest has always attracted interest from within and outside Uasin Gishu.

With what was witnessed in 2017, where Mandago and billionaire businessman Zedekiah Bundotich Buzeki faced off in a bruising battle, August 2022 is expected to witness the same fireworks.

Past photo of Jonathan Bii and Soy MP Caleb Kositany who are eyeing the gubernatorial seat.

There are a number of high-profile politicians interested in the seat, and with the influence and financial abilities at their disposal, this is a contest to watch.

Among those seeking the seat include Amb. Prof Julius Bitok, Soy MP Caleb Kositany, Jonathan Bii, former SRC Chair Sarah Serem, and Devolution CECM Veska Kangogo.

Senate

Senate has not been attracting that much attention, but it will this time around, with the anticipated face-off between Mandago and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.

Sudi is not vying for the seat but has expressed opposition to a decision by the governor to seek an elective position.

Mandago and Sudi during the 2017 general election.

The MP prefers a youthful aspirant – between broadcaster Robert Arap Kemei and lawyer Kipchumba Karori.

It will be interesting to watch how this pans out, given Mandago and Sudi are considered political powerhouses in the county.

Kesses Constituency

Kesses MP Dr. Swarup Mishra has a huge financial muscle at his disposal. However, he faces an uphill task to retain the seat, having already been branded a traitor – for working against Deputy President William Ruto.

Also Read: Oscar Sudi Announces ‘Big Hustler Nation Rally in Eldoret

It is not yet clear which party he will be using to seek re-election but there is a likelihood that he will opt to go as an independent candidate.

Mishra says his party is Kesses. — Kesses MP Mishra Kiprop when addressing bodaboda operators.

Should he go that route, it will mean he will face off with a UDA candidate – and that probability makes the Kesses MP seat race a must-watch.

Some of the individuals seeking the UDA ticket include former MP James Bett, former Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer, and Uasin Gishu Finance CECM CPA Julius Ruto.