- The three are among top allies of Deputy President William Ruto.
- In Uasin Gishu, Mandago, who has opted to vie for the Senate seat is attracting criticism from residents and allies of Ruto.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Governors Stephen Sang of Nandi, Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Stanley Kiptis(Baringo) are the men to watch in the UDA party primaries set for Thursday.
The three are among top allies of Deputy President William Ruto.
UDA Rift valley region coordinator Paul Kiprop said they are set for the primaries and it’s time for the people to decide who they want as their leader.
Sang is facing strong opposition from Allan Kosgey and former governor Cleophas Lagat for the UDA ticket. Analysts say the race between the three is a close call and any of them could win.
Finance expert Antipas Tirop, who is also in the race for the UDA governor ticket in Nandi said they expecting free and fair primaries.
In Baringo, Kiptis will be battling for the ticket with former governor Benjamin Cheboi, who is seeking to reclaim the seat.
In Uasin Gishu, Mandago, who has opted to vie for the Senate seat is attracting criticism from residents and allies of Ruto.
The governor is facing stiff competition from Kipchumba Karoli and former radio journalist Robert Kemei whoa ere seeking to beat him for the UDA ticket.
Karoli is considered Mandago’s main rival
“I bring on board fresh minds and capacity to serve as senator for Uasin Gishu," Karoli said.
Soy MP Caleb Kositany is also battling against six other aspirants to succeed Mandago.
In the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet county former police inspector general Joseph Boinnet also facing Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich in the race to succeed Governor Alex Tolgos.
UDA officials said they had put in place all the necessary logistical requirements to ensure the primaries will be free and fair.
“We also want peaceful primaries s that our people can go on with their business as usual," Kiprop said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)