Former Kenyan envoy to Pakistan Julius Bitok has received a boost in his quest for the Uasin Gishu governor seat.
Bitok has been endorsed by the Marakwet and nonKalenjin communities in Eldoret.
He met more than 1,000 members of the Marakwet community who said he was best placed to unite all residents of the cosmopolitan county.
Bitok had earlier met members of the Luhya and Luo communities at Huruma, who also endorsed him.
“We believe that with Bitok's wide international exposure and experience in public service he is qualified to be our next governor," Jane Waswa, a resident said.
The non Kalenjin communities are commonly referred to as the diaspora vote block which constitutes at least 180,000 voters out of the more than 400,000 registered voters in Uasin Gishu.
Political analysts say Bitok’s ratings have been on the rise because he is the only candidate selling his candidature with a manifesto.
“My manifesto is based on a six-point agenda focusing on key areas which I believe will be critical in transforming the county," Bitok said.
Bitok's six-point agenda focuses on healthcare, agriculture, empowerment, agriculture, unity and trade.
“I am confident that I will be elected to succeed Governor Mandago and my agenda is to unite all communities and ensure I fully implement my transformation agenda," Bitok said.
Bitok will face six other aspirants who are also eyeing the UDA ticket.
Residents now believe that the race for the UDA ticket is getting tight. The party primaries will be held in mid April.
The race to succeed Mandago is narrowing down into a three horse race between politician Jonathan Bii, Bitok and Soy MP Caleb Kostany.
Other candidates in the race to succeed Mandago include businessman Bundotich Kiprop Buzeki, former envoy Sarah Serem and former Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
