New twist in Narok governorship race as MP Lemein drops bid

The battle for Narok governorship race has taken a new twist after Narok South MP Korei ole Lemein dropped his bid.

Lemein was to face Labour CAS Patrick Ntutu, Narok West MP Patrick Ntutu and Narok Women Representative Soipan Kudate in the United Democratic Alliance nominations.

He will now defend his seat that has already attracted a high number of aspirants.

In his bid to recapture his seat, Lemein will square it out with two MCAs Stephen Kudate (Naroosura/Maji Moto), Jafferson Langat (Olulunga), his aide Anthony Kilerai, former rivals Kitilai ole Ntutu and David Mayone.

All these candidates have announced they will contest the seat on UDA.

Speaking while opening classrooms at Enkare Nyiro Primary School and Enkare Nyiro Secondary school, Lemein said after deliberation with his people and Maasai community, they decided that he should continue serving them at the parliamentary level.

“As you are aware, I have been in the race for governor but now I have dropped my ambitions," Lemein said.

"This is because it was not possible for all of us who are looking for the seat to win and we only require one person," he said.

The MP wished the remaining three candidates all the best in their endeavour as they seek to be UDA flag bearer in the next year’s general election.

Elsewhere, Soipan has dismissed propaganda being peddled that she has opted out of the governor race.

In a press briefing in Narok town on Thursday, Soipan said she is still in the race and will fight to the end in UDA.

“I am warning my opponents that they should know that it’s now time for women to take up various leadership [positions] in the country,” she said.

Soipan told the locals to stop discriminating women seeking leadership positions, saying they also have their own rights just like men.

She is the only woman leader seeking the governor position.

The lawmaker said she is best placed and ready for the job, adding that she has the capability to manage the vast resources of county. 

“I am ready for the task and I utilised the National Government Affirmative Action Fund during my time and many people benefited from it and led to improving their lives,” Soipan said.

She pledged to protect the interests of all tribes residing in the county and her administration will be fair to all, saying during her tenure she distributed resources equally to all without discrimination.

Soipan is a daughter to the former Narok South MP Samson ole Tuya.

(edited by Amol Awuor)