A one-time Health minister Paul Sang has joined the race for Kericho county senator by-election, bringing to 10 those eyeing the seat.
Sang represented Buret constituency for two continuous five-year terms and is going to contest the seat on a Kanu ticket.
He declared interest in the seat on Thursday at Kericho Tea Hotel after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared the seat vacant.
It fell vacant when Charles Keter was appointed Energy CS.
“With my vast political experience as Buret MP and Health minister during Kanu regime, I have what it takes to take over the county senatorial seat,” Sang told journalists.
He said he is the best for senator, having come second to Keter in the March 4, 2013, general election.
“If elected as senator in the remaining one and half years I will make sure I unite all Kericho county leaders for the benefit of residents’ economic well-being,” Sang said.
He said he expects to be the sole nominee for Kanu.
A former Chebwagan High School principal, Sang expressed hope for overwhelming support from fellow teachers and other professionals in the county.
“I will also bring on board women and youth groups by ensuring funds meant for their economic well-being benefit them,” he said.
Front runners in the race include Nelson Koech from Belgut, former Roads minister Franklin Bett, former National Housing Corporation chairman Sammy Chepkwony, former ODM chief executive officer Magerer Langat and Chemelil Sugar Company board member Joel Kirui.
Others are Nairobi businessman Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho businessman Ken Mutai, lawyer Wycliffe Lessan, former Kipkelion MP Bishop Daniel Tanui, former political adviser to Kericho Governor Festus Kirui and ODM’s Stella Chepkurui.
