• A survey by the star has revealed the four gubernatorial hopefuls have not identified or named their running mates.
• They are all facing a tough balancing act required in identifying a suitable running mate. MP Chris Wamalwa of Kenya Kwanza replaced his original choice.
Governor aspirants in Trans Nzoia are racing against time to identify running mates ahead of party deadlines.
The Star has established the four hopefuls have not identified or named their running mates.
They are all facing a tough balancing act in identifying a suitable running mate.
IEBC rules give aspirants 10 days after party primaries to resign and run as independents.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa of Ford Kenya in Kenya Kwanza replaced his initial choice to reflect local political dynamics.
Recently, Wamalwa told Sabaot elders, opinion leaders and aspirants that his hands were tied in naming a running mate from the Kapkuko subclan due to the dynamics, which had changed.
UDA bigwig Kipruto arap Kirwa said Wamalwa is considering picking former high school principal Bethwel Kirior, a Nandi, as his running mate.
Kirwa, a former Agriculture minister in the Mwai Kibaki government, insists Kirior deserves to be Wamalwa’s running mate.
"There is need for a running mate capable of attracting more votes in areas where there was little support. Mwalimu Kirior is one of the most experienced public speakers who can marshall votes in the whole county," he said.
A group of Sabaot elders led by Francis Somgen termed Wamalwa’s change of choice as betrayal.
The Saboti ward representative told the Star that he could not comment on the weighty matter.
Wamalwa has been campaigning alongside Saboti ward representative David Kipkorir Kapoloman whom he had identified as his deputy heir apparent.
Former Rift Valley regional coordinator George Natembeya who is running for governor under Azimio la Umoja has not named his running mate. It is said he will choose a woman from the Sabaot community.
Dr Milka Psiwa is the only woman allied to the Natembeya camp. Other names have cropped up as possible running mates.
They include pilot Stanley Kirui, former Environment chief officer John Mengwa, Martin Ngomat and David Butaki.
Businessman Moses Khaoya of ODM is also in the race. He will face philanthropist Dorcas Njenga of ODM.
Both Khaoya and Njenga have not named or identified their running mates although insiders in the Orange Party say whoever clinches the ODM ticket will pick on the loser as running mate.
Underdevelopment, unemployment, lack of industries and value addition for the local maize and poor agriculture performance are among the issues likely to shape the campaigns.
The battle for the governor's seat is expected to be between Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza and their voting parties.
(Edited by V. Graham)