Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has asked Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi to stop inciting voters against his bid to be the next Senator in the county.
Mandago speaking in Kimumu, Moiben Sub County on Sunday, said he has the ability to push the agenda of the Uasin Gishu people in the Senate, having been a pioneer governor.
The governor noted that Sudi has been going around the county saying he should not be vying for the Senate seat, a move he said was unacceptable and amounts to incitement.
“I have heard Kapseret MP going round saying I should not vie for the Senate seat, that is my democratic right and he has no right to decide who vies and who does not,” Mandago said.
He further pointed out that Senate is a key component for the success of devolution that needs a leader who will deliver by ensuring the right legislations are passed.
“Kazi ya Senate haina ukarabati. Ndio unaona mambo inakwama huko Parliament kwa sababu iko wabunge huko hawawezi tunga hata sheria. Nyinyi mnaona nikienda Senate nitalala?” Mandago said in an attack on the vocal MP.
Sudi, a key ally of Deputy President William Ruto considers himself among influential politicians in Uasin Gishu County, but Mandago now wants him to focus on recapturing his seat, and not planning for the voters.
“The decision of who becomes a leader is made by the people, not an individual. Next time you see him (Sudi) talking about planning this county, tell him to focus his energy in Kapseret,” Mandago said.
“When the DP was in Chebolol, he said it is the people that will plan for their own leaders, not leaders planning for them,” he added.
Mandago believes his track record as a governor is enough testimony and proof that he deserves the senate seat.
He also cautioned those against his bid to be ready for another defeat, just like it was with his gubernatorial bid.
“Hii mambo ya kusema Mandago hafai kusimama Senate najua inatokea wapi lakini kaeni mkijua nitawanyorosha vile niliwanyorosha 2017,” Mandago said.
In 2017, the county boss faced stiff competition from billionaire businessman Bundotich Zedekiah alias Buzeki who managed to convince the non-Kalenjin voters to support his bid.
As he seeks to be the third Senator of Uasin Gishu, Mandago will battle among others lawyer Kipchumba Karori, Kass FM Radio Presenter Arap Kemei for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Sudi always thinks he is too influential in Uasin Gishu but he’s not
But Mandago should have retired. Huwezi toka Gavana after 10 years ukuje Senator.
Uasin Gishu Iko na viongozi wengi
I would pick Karori/Kemei over Mandago all the time. No need to recycle leaders and expect same results
Mandago looks like a better option for Senate. He knows challenges counties face and will ensure they are addressed