All six Nandi MPs allied to DP William Ruto are facing tough re-election battles as more than 40 aspirants line up to fight for the UDA tickets.
The UDA aspirants in the region, who are mostly new entrants, have intensified door-to-door campaigns, forcing the established MPs to retreat to their constituencies in efforts to get re-elected.
The Deputy President has said although most aspirants are his allies, residents will be free to choose their leaders during UDA primaries.
The DP’s party is expected to dominate the region and those who will win the tickets will likely be elected as MPs unless there's interference with nominations.
Mosop MP Vincent Tuwei will face the highest number of opponents in fighting for the UDA ticket with. Several aspirants are jamming the constituency ahead of the party primaries in April.
“I will defend the seat through UDA and I believe the people of Mosop will re-elect me so we can continue with the many development projects we have initiated," Tuwei said.
Aspirants for the UDA ticket in the area include outgoing Nandi county executive Jacob Tanui, Dr Kennedy Maru, David Tarus, Abraham Kirwa, Lazarus Tanui, Marius Keter, Josphat Kemei and immediate former area MP Stephen Kirwa Bitok.
In Chesumei constituency, current MP Dr Wison Kogo will face a tough battle against businessman Paul Kibichyi Biego, popularly known area as Polo. Biego is already campaigning for the UDA ticket.
He is considered a front runner.
“I believe in the bottom-up economic model spearheaded by DP Ruto and I will unveil my manifesto to help transform the constituency," Biego said.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, who faced heckling when DP Rutio visited Kapsabet town last November, will also be defending his seat though UDA. He is among those accused of being Ruto’s critics-turned-friends at the last minute to get reelected.
Keter will battle for the UDA ticket against rivals including George Tarus Robert Kipkorir and Benard Kitur, among others. US-trained medical officer Kimutai Yatoris also in the race.
In Emgwen constituency, current MP Alex Kosgey, who is son to former powerful minister Henry Kosgey, has shifted base and will be vying for the Senate. His decision to shift has left a tough battle to replace him with aspirants on the ground campaigning daily.
They include businessman Raymond Kiplimo, former athlete Wilfred Bungei and former Women Representative Zipporah Kering.
Current Women Representative Tecla Tum has not confirmed reports she will vie for the Emgwen seat. Also seeking the UDA ticket will be Joseph Lelmengit, Joel Malel and Cyril Chepsiror.
In Aldai constituency, former aide to DP Ruto Mary Ann Keitany has joined the race for the UDA ticket against current MP Cornel Serem.
(Edited by V. Graham)
