Governor Jackson Mandago has intensified his campaigns to be the third Senator of Uasin Gishu County.
Mandago is serving his last term as governor and wants to go to Senate and represent the county’s interest.
His bid has, however, received opposition from a section of politicians – with his competitors saying going for Senate was a demotion.
But according to Mandago, Senate is equally an important seat that should never be looked down on, especially when it comes to devolution matters.
“Iko wakora wanasema Mandago anatoka class 8 anakuja class 7. Senate is the only institution mandated to share the revenue to counties. It can never be a lesser institution. In fact, if there is an institution that needs to be strengthened is Senate, because devolution has helped spur development in all corners of the country,” noted the county boss.
The governor also insists that he is the best candidate to be the next Senator based on the experience he has gained as a pioneer county boss.
He points out that he knows all the corners that the national government is hiding devolution money, which he will seek to push for it to be released.
“I now have experience of devolution and I ask that you elect me Senator so that we push for the release of money from Agriculture and Health that is still being held on by the government,” Mandago said.
Mandago development record
Mandago has been governor since 2013, and he has dismissed those claiming he has nothing to show for in his about 10-year reign.
According to the governor, transforming Eldoret to its current state is just but one of the many things he has been able to achieve.
“Those saying I have done nothing are maybe not residents of this county,” Mandago said.
“When I came into power, Eldoret town had not more than 100 street lights, but today even all major centers in villages have street lights,” he added.
UDA nominations
The governor will be facing off a number of aspirants also eyeing the seat, with the race billed to be a three-horse – pitting him, radio broadcaster Robert Kemei and lawyer Kipchumba Karori.
Mandago believes whoever wins the UDA ticket in Uasin Gishu will be carrying the day in the August 9 poll.
“Elections in this county, I foresee we will finish during nominations but those that will go to other parties, there is democracy only that based on my political experience, I would advise aspirants to invest in nominations,” he said.
UDA has scheduled its nominations to be held between April 9th and 16th across the country.
