Gideon faces UDA's Cheptumo for Baringo Senate seat

UDA nominee William Cheptumo was on Tuesday cleared by the electoral agency to challenge Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in the August 9 general election.

Moi. who is the Kanu party chairman, was cleared on Monday by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to defend his seat for a third term.

"You know I'm your son, reelect me so I can continue the job to seek employment for your children, infrastructure and insecurity," Gideon said.

He said without retention of his seat, his Baringo Central home turf might go without an elective post because governor and woman representative might go to Baringo North, Eldama-Ravine or Baringo South.

"My people of Baringo Central. let's join hands to bring the cow back home, because it is ours, so that we milk it. Gideon said.

Moi's decision to seek reelection was reached after his bid for national politics failed, as the clock ticks toward August.

It isalso believed by some observers that President Uhuru Kenyatta would have chosen Gideon to succeed him. Instead, ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto stole the show.

Both Gideon and Cheptumo pledged to fight poverty, insecurity and improve the ecnomy.

They will face off candidates Felix Kiprono Chelaite of The Service Party, Florence Jelagat (independent) and David Kipruto (independent).

ABSENTEE SENANTOR

Cheptumo, who was the third-term Baringo North MP since 2007 criticised Moi, saying he has failed to play his role of senator.

"Despite going missing since he was reelected back in 2017, he hasn't been felt by the people discharging his duties of legislation, oversight and representation" Cheptumo said.

Addressing a crowd after being cleared by IEBC  in Kabarnet town on Tuesday, he said being a lawyer and then assistant minister for Justice and Legal  affairs, he took part in efforts to amend the 2020 Constitution on devolution.

"Personally, I understand the document, every bit, and I would be the best person to implement it if elected senator. I won't go and sleep, I promise," Cheptumo said.

He said he pushing the national government to channel more development funds to Baringo county and actively participation in making and amending of laws in the Senate.

Furthermore, he said he will unite with other leaders to end runaway insecurity caused by banditry and cattle rustling in parts of Baringo and find a durable ending violence.

Moi shall face atough battle as Cheptumo has the spport of Deputy President William Ruto, the UDa presidential flagbearer.

(Edited by V. Graham)