The stage is set for a major political duel in Elgeyo Marakwet as former Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo tries to unseat Senator Kipchumba Murkomen. Kimaiyo is expected to launch his bid on Sunday.
Kimaiyo is a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto. He will run on a Kanu ticket, Murkomen is in Jubilee.
The former police boss has been meeting grassroots and opinion leaders, as well as attending fundraisers in Elgeyo Marakwet in the past few months.
On Monday, Kimaiyo, who graduated last week with a PhD from the University of Nairobi, told the Star he will hold a thanksgiving ceremony at his home. He said he will outline his plans for Elgeyo Marakwet residents.
Kimaiyo said the ceremony will give him a chance to listen to his supporters as he plans to square off against Murkomen. Kanu leader Gideon Moi has said the party will not dissolve to join the mega Jubilee Party.
Kimaiyo’s close allies have said he will use experience in the security sector to ensure peace prevails after the resurgence of bandit attacks in the Kerio Valley.
Murkomen has been reaching out to youth through fundraisers and social media platforms.
He was in Kapcherop last week, where he helped raise money for boda boda operators to start a sacco.
Murkomen opted for road transport instead of choppers after he was accused of losing contact with residents after the 2013 polls. Kimaiyo resigned as IG in December 2014.
Later that month, he was appointed chairman of the Kenya Airports Authority by President Uhuru Kenyatta. A few days later, he was replaced by Major Gen Julius Karangi, ex-KDF chief.
