The number of aspirants eyeing Nandi governor's seat has increased to eight after former envoy to Australia Stephen Tarus joined the race.
All the eight have said they will compete with Governor Cleophas Lagat for the Jubilee ticket.
The party enjoys good support in the region.
Lawyer Kiprotich Cherargei has said he will be in the race, contrary to reports that he is preparing for Lelmokwo-Ngecheck ward by-elections on June 3.
“My opponents fear the competition we are giving them and that is why they would wish I vie in the ward. But I would like to assure them that my focus in on governor in 2017,” he said.
Tarus said he wants to offer leadership that will not focus on misuse of county resources for personal benefit.
Former ministers Henry Kosgey and Felix Koskei lead the pack of top aspirants who will fight it out with Lagat.
Others in the race include former athlete Abraham Mutai, OIe Lessos College principal Alphonse Kirwa and Uasin Gishu ICT executive Barnabas Sang.
Supporters of Senator Stephen Sang say he is also interested in the seat.
The Star could not reach him on the phone for comment.
Last week Kosgey clarified reports that he may drop out of the race. “I am in the race to the end,” he said.
He and Koskei are considered Lagat’s main opponents, but Cherargei said most of those who have been given an opportunity to serve the people in government have failed and they will not succeed.
“The residents of Nandi are well aware of all the aspirants and who stands for the truth. They will not recycle people as if the county has no adequate human resource in terms of those who can lead in a better way,” he said.
Lagat said yesterday he will seek re-election.
He said residents understand his record as the first governor.
Lagat is credited with investing more than Sh 7 billion in community projects.
“Our opponents will also have chance to tell the people what they have done. We welcome competition from all those interested,” he said.
All the aspirants are setting up campaign teams.