Deputy President William Ruto will this week campaign in his North Rift backyard where his allies are battling for UDA tickets in 2022.
Ruto will be in his home county of Uasin Gishu on Wednesday to preside over a fundraiser for 36 churches and address roadside rallies in the region where he enjoys near-fanatical support.
Of late, the Rift Valley kingpin has been emphasising other regions and drawing different political advisers close in his push for unity and harmony. He isn't always seen surrounded by Kalenjins. Now it's time to reassure them.
UDA politics will likely play out as top aspirants for the governor's seat in Uasin Gishu are all expected to attend the fundraising at Chebolon near Cheptiret in Kesses constituency.
Kenya's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Prof G Julius Kibet, is a leading contender in the race to succeed Governor Jackson Mandago who will be completing his second term. He comes from Uasin Gishu.
Bitok has already unveiled a master plan he intends to implement if elected to succeed Mandago. “Our master plan is based on job creation for our youth, enhancing trade, farming and economic growth for our county," he said.
Others eyeing the UDA ticket and accompanying Ruto on his tour will be politician Jonathan Bii, Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo, Ngenyilel MCA David Sing’oei and Soy MP Caleb Kositany,among others.
Ruto has already attempted to dismiss fears of possible favouritism during UDA primaries. He said all aspirants will be treated equally and residents will decide on the ticket.
The DP will also be Nandi where a major battle also looms for the governor's seat and elective positions.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang faces tough opposition from several aspirants, including lawyer Allan Kosgey who is a son to former powerful minister Henry Kosgey. Also in the race is immediate former governor Dr Cleophas Lagat and finance expert Antipas Tirop.
Sang is riding on his record in the last five years. He is credited with huge investments to improve the health sector. His administration has reduced by more than 80 per cent the number of cases in which residents were forced to seek medication outside the county.
“We are now able to handle ailments like cancer, diabetes, kidney dialysis and others that could only be done outside the county previously," Sang said.
He will host the Deputy President for a series of events in the county.
