Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim now claims Tourism Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok is mobilising people who will heckle him during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The celebrations, being co-hosted by three counties, will be held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City. Speaking at Mama Rachel Ruto Hospital on Thursday, October 1, 2026, Bii warned Bitok against going forward with the said plan.
“They are planning that during Mashujaa, they bring people to heckle me. Try, and you will see what will happen. Kama wewe ni simba kamili jaribu utajionea mwenyewe,” the governor warned.
Bii said the event should not be used to advance political intrests as it will bring together leaders from within and outside the country.
The Tourism PS is considered Governor Bii’s main rival in the 2027 gubernatorial race. They are expected to face off in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nomination.
But as the two intensify their campaigns, Bii expressed optimism that he will beat the PS for a second time. The two faced off in the 2022 UDA nominations, with the county boss narrowly emerging victorious.
“Huyo jamaa nitamnyorosha. Tulimshinda na akikuja saa hizi tutamnyorosha proper,” Bii said as he also dared the PS to resign and fully focus on his gubernatorial campaigns.
While he continues to serve as the Tourism Principal Secretary, Bitok has often used public events within Uasin Gishu County to popularise his gubernatorial bid.
“Wewe (PS Bitok) tulia wacha kuaibisha rais. Kama wewe ni mwanaume, wewe resign kuja tukutane na mimi,” Governor Bii said.
Aside from Bitok, other Uasin Gishu gubernatorial candidates include entrepreneur Willy Kenei, Abraham Samoei, as well as businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop (Buzeki).
