Uasin Gishu County Woman MP Gladys Boss Shollei has endorsed Jerotich Seii as the next Elgeyo Marakwet Senator.
The seat is currently being held by Kipchumba Murkomen. It is expected to be vacant soon after his nomination to the cabinet.
Murkomen was nominated Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary (CS).
With his imminent resignation, tens of individuals have been declaring interest in his sit, among them Jerotich Seii, a human rights activist.
Seii officially joined the race on Wednesday when she posted her poster on social media.
“WaKenya: we have worked hard together to promote the rule of law and improve our lives. I am ready to serve as Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet County – building from the bottom up,” she tweeted.
Addition to parliament
Her candidature has now been endorsed by Shollei, one of the powerful women within the Kenya Kwanza government.
The National Assembly Deputy Speaker says Jerotich Seii’s win in the seat will be a welcome addition to parliament.
“Jerotich Seii is a vocal human rights defender and was part of the Linda Katiba movement. I wholeheartedly endorse her candindature for the position of Senator Elgeyo Marakwet. With the support of Elgeyo Marakwet residents, Jerotich will be a welcome addition to Parliarment,” she tweeted.
So far, over 30 candidates have expressed interest in the seat that contains a mix of former MPs and youthful lawyers.
Some of those in the race include former County Assembly Speaker Albert Kochei, former MP’s William Kisang and Jackson Kiptanui together with lawyers Eliud Lorpesa and Tim Kipchumba among others.
The earliest a by-election can be held in Elgeyo Marakwet, should Murkomen get parliament approval, is December 2022.
The law requires that once a Senator resigns, the Speaker of the Senate notifies the IEBC of the resignation, after which a by-election must be held within 90 days.
