Aspirants for the 2022 election in Nandi county have opted for door-to-door campaigns and Sunday church services to reach residents while complying with the strict Covid-19 health protocols.
Residents say they are happy with the new normal due to safety and the fact that aspirants now go to homes and villages instead of residents going out to attend rallies.
“We are happy with the new style of campaigns because aspirants will get to know our homes and villages in a better way. Most importantly, we will remain safe from Covid-19 infection,” said Jane Kiptoo, a resident of Kabiyet.
It’s the race for governor that is particularly heating up. Governor Stephen Sang and his rivals, especially lawyer Allan Kosgey, have stepped up ground activities to seek support.
The race is increasingly turning out to be a two-horse affair between Sang and Kosgey, with the governor banking on his scorecard in the last five years to seek reelection.
The governor has planned a series of events to launch projects which his administration has completed.
“It’s not yet time for campaigns. As the governor, I am still discharging my mandate. Time for campaigns will come,” Sang said.
He is considering improving on his campaign 'Tuga Tai', which, in Kalenjin, refers to cows, which are highly valued by the community.
The slogan largely endeared Sang to voters in the region and many of them mostly use it to refer to him.
But Kosgey has also stirred the political waters with his new slogan, Maloo Sabon, which refers to a brighter future ahead. He met with other aspirants at his home to build a network for his campaigns in the region that is also the stronghold of DP William Ruto and his UDA party.
The lawyer donated a new van to the Kobujoi Small Home, which supports children living with disabilities. Sang and Kosgey will compete for the UDA ticket in the race that has also attracted former Governor Cleophas Lagat and politician Antipas Tirop.
Tirop and Dr Lagat have also been holding door-to-door campaigns and Tirop says he represents the change desired by residents to break from bad leadership.
Lagat is seen as a more experienced and approachable leader. He lost to Sang in the Jubilee primaries during the last election.
Edited by Henry Makori
