Allies of Deputy President William Ruto have stepped up grassroots campaigns in North Rift where they are jostling for the UDA ticket.
Most public events, especially funerals, weddings and church services, are well attended by aspirants urging residents to vote wisely during the UDA nominations and general election.
The region is Ruto’s home and political stronghold where UDA is expected to dominate. Most aspirants for the top seats are allies of the DP.
In Nandi county, tens of aspirants are positioning themselves to vie for various seats through UDA, with the focus on governor and Parliament.
Hundreds of aspirants to various seats are all in UDA.
Nairobi businessman Meshack Kimutai declared that he would vie for the Emgwen MP seat held by Alex Kosgey. Kosgey is the son of former powerful minister Henry Kosgey.
He has not confirmed reports he may run for the Senate seat.
“I know Governor Sang had endorsed someone else for the Emgwen MP seat but I want to tell him that we do not need endorsements here.
“Locals are not fools and know their sons and daughters very well,” Kimutai said.
He said residents would make up their own minds..
Top public servants eyeing politics, mostly governor seats
“I don’t need any endorsements because I already have the endorsement of the people and God and we support DP William Ruto,” Kimutai said.
He spoke at a funeral attended by Governor Stephen Sang in Emgwen on Tuesday.
Sang will be seeking re-election and faces aspirants including Allan Kosgey, another son of the former minister. Also in the race is former Governor Dr Cleophas Lagat.
All MPs in the area, except for Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, have confirmed they would seek re-election through UDA. The MPs include Vincent Tuwei of Mosop who has also stepped up his political activities.
In neighbouring Uasin Gishu county, aspirants for the governor seat have been busy. They include politician Jonathan Bii and Nairobi county executive Vesca Kangogo who have been holding meetings to strategise, especially for UDA nominations.
More than 10 aspirants, including Kenya’s envoy to Pakistan Professor Julius Bitok and Soy MP Caleb Kositany, have declared they aim for the UDA ticket.
They want to succeed Governor Jackson Mandago who will be completing his second term.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich is also eyeing the UDA ticket to succeed his boss, Alex Tolgos who will also be exiting after his second term.
More than 10 aspirants have said they will seek the UDA ticket to succeed Tolgos.
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