Former Keiyo South Member of Parliament Jackson Kiptanui has dropped out of the Elgeyo Marakwet Senate race.
In a statement seen by Uasin Gishu News, Kiptanui said he had made the decision following consultations with family members and supporters.
The former MP further noted that his political ambitions had only been deferred.
“After serious consultations with my family, friends and my supporters across the county, I have shelved my political ambition to vie for senator Elgeyo Marakwet county in the upcoming by-election,” Kiptanui said in part of the statement.
“To my supporters, our dream is deferred,” he added.
The former legislator who had expressed interest in Elgeyo Marakwet’s gubernatorial seat during the recently concluded general election, before dropping out in favour of former Police Inspector General Joseph Boinet, however, wished other aspirants the best.
He expressed hope that the next Senator will continue the work started by pioneer Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
Other capacities
Murkomen recently resigned from the Senate seat to take up the Transport Cabinet Secretary job that President William Ruto appointed him to.
“I wish all the aspirants the best and May the best candidate win to continue the excellent work started by Hon. Waziri Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen and thrust our county higher,” Kiptanui said.
On what his next political move would be, he noted that he will keep engaging locals in other capacities.
“To all EMC residents we will still engage as we serve our county and country in other capacities,” said the former MP.
His move comes just two weeks before the UDA nomination to pick the candidate for the upcoming by-election.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has set November 26, 2022, as the nomination day.
A by-election for the Elgeyo Marakwet seat will be held on January 5, 2023.
