Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has launched a sharp attack on Senator Jackson Mandago, accusing his predecessor of disrespecting the county government as he defends plans to establish a museum in Eldoret.
Speaking at a public event at the Ainabkoi Sub-County Office on Monday, September 1, 2026, Bii dismissed claims that the proposed museum was linked to witchcraft because it would house snakes as part of its exhibits. The governor suggested that criticism of the project was part of a campaign aimed at discrediting him.
“I had committed to allocate funds to build a museum in Eldoret, but someone is spoiling my name by claiming that I am a witch because of snakes,” Bii said.
The governor explained that snakes are a common feature in museums and wildlife exhibits across the country and should not be used to spread misinformation about the project.
“If you go to museums in Kisumu, Nairobi and other places, you will find snakes together with other animals from around the world,” he said, adding that such exhibits are part of preserving and showcasing natural heritage.
Mandago had questioned the county’s plan to allocate millions for the museum while several projects he had initiated, including hospitals, had stalled.
Mandago’s performance as governor
While he did not hold back in defending the museum initiative, Bii reserved his strongest criticism for Senator Mandago, whom he accused of failing to complete major development projects during his tenure as governor.
In remarks that appeared directly targeted at the senator, Bii questioned the legacy of the previous administration and challenged Mandago’s criticism of the current county government.
“He must respect the government. During his time, did he finish any project?” Bii said. The governor cited the county hospital and the Ainabkoi Sub-County Office as examples of projects that were not completed satisfactorily before he took office.
“The hospital was never completed, and even this Ainabkoi Sub-County Office was not completed properly,” he said.
Bii argued that leaders should focus on supporting development efforts rather than undermining ongoing projects. He called for respect among elected leaders, saying political differences should not stand in the way of service delivery and development.
“We need to respect elected leaders,” he told the gathering.
The remarks are the latest indication of growing political tensions between Bii and his predecessor, with disagreements emerging over the county’s development agenda and the implementation of projects inherited from the previous administration. The proposed Eldoret museum has recently become one of the focal points of the debate, with Bii insisting that the project is intended to promote education, culture and tourism rather than the claims being circulated by critics.
