- The envoy described himself as a native of the county and declared that he would vie through the UDA party that propagates the bottom up economic model.
- Bitok joins Businessman Buzeki, politician Jonathan Bii and Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo in the fight for the county's top seat.
Kenya’s envoy to Pakistan Julius Bitok has formally joined the race to succeed Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago in next year’s poll.
Bitok says after serving as an envoy for over seven years, he has gained the necessary experience and networks to help develop the region if elected.
“I thank President [Uhuru] Kenyatta because he appointed me as an envoy in Pakistan, where I am serving for the seventh year now and the exposure has made me a better leader,” Bitok said.
Bitok lost to Mandago in the 2012 polls during the Jubilee primaries.
He was then appointed envoy and did not run in 2017, he, however, says he is ready to vie again.
Bitok spoke on Tuesday during the funeral service of businesswoman Ruth Njambi at Happy Church in the Pioneer area of Eldoret town.
The envoy described himself as a native of the county and declared that he would vie through the UDA party that propagates the bottom-up economic model.
He is an ally of DP William Ruto and his entry will cause a significant shake-up in Uasin Gishu politics.
Bitok boasts of several accomplishments in academia and international networks. The fact that he hails from the southern part of the country could also give him an edge.
Mandago and several other aspirants are from the northern part of Soy constituency. Residents and some leaders argue that the governors' seat should go to the southern part in next year’s poll.
“Our county collects about Sh800 million as local revenue, which is only about Sh100 million more compared to what we used to collect as a county council. The low revenue is because of a poor business environment,” Bitok said.
He said he has negotiated with several investors to boost the countys' agriculture and business sectors.
Businessman-cum-politician Bundotich Kiprop, better known as Buzeki, was also at the same event. He declared that he will not join UDA or any other party. Instead, he will run for the Uasin Gishu governor seat as an independent.
Buzeki said he had decided to focus on his own political plans and avoid the baggage of marketing a party like UDA, which comes with many challenges, especially during the primaries.
“I have decided I will wait for all those battling in UDA so that they do what they are doing and then we meet in the premier league where I am fully prepared for the race,” Buzeki said.
Prominent Eldoret businessman James Wainaina was also present.
Buzeki said that during the 2017 elections, he narrowly lost to Governor Jackson Mandago who is completing his second term next year. He thanked residents for giving him over 150,000 votes at the time.
“I didn’t lose but I was the second winner. However, after that, I became chairman of all losers in the country and went on with life with a lot of blessings from God.
"I supported Mandago to complete his term and now it's time to compete again,” Buzeki said.
He said losing elections is normal and political leaders must learn to compete and accept results without harbouring hard feelings against each other.
Wainaina urged both Buzeki and Bitok to ensure peace prevails in the region during the election. He said politicians should avoid incidents of violence or incitement because the country is bigger than individual interests.
“Let all our politicians campaign freely anywhere in this country and ensure peace prevails so that our nation will emerge stronger to attract investors regardless of whoever wins,” Wainaina said.
Buzeki and Bitok said they would prioritise peace and ensure the unity of residents.
Buzeki said as a businessman he will offer the best leadership if elected to succeed Mandago. The two are among tens of politicians angling to succeed Mandago next year.
With the exception of Buzeki, over ten other aspirants will be vying through UDA which is linked to Deputy President William Ruto. Uasin Gishu is Ruto's home county.
Political analysts predict a tough battle between Buzeki and the aspirant who will win during the UDA primaries.
Other aspirants include politician Jonathan Bii and Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)