• Assemblies in N. Rift dominated by UDA legislators, as are governorships in most counties.
• In Nandi, former Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo is leading those seeking the speaker’s job; Joshua Kiptoo has been speaker for five years.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Lobbying has intensified for county speaker posts and for county executives in North Rift where preparations are underway to swear-in governors-elect.
Top lawyers and former MPs are among individuals jostling for county jobs as MCAs also prepare for initial meetings where the first task will be to elect assembly speakers and deputies.
The region's assemblies are dominated by UDA legislators, just as most governors are from DP Ruto's UDA.
In Nandi, former Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo is leading those seeking the speaker’s job. Joshua Kiptoo has been speaker for five years.
It’s not clear if Kiptoo will defend the position but sources said UDA was favouring Kogo.
“The elected MCAs are mature people who will elect their own leaders when the time comes soon," UDA coordinator in the region Paul Kiprop said.
Former secretary general of the County Assemblies Forum Kipkirui Chepkwony is among those mentioned in the speaker job. He could not be reached by phone to confirm his intentions.
In Uasin Gishu, Speaker Davidc Kiplagat was elected MP for Soy constituency. His position has also attracted former Speaker Isaac Terer and former assembly majority leader Josphat Lowoi, among others.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, outgoing Speaker Philemon Sabulei and lawyer Ledisha Kipseii are seen as possible top candidates.
Governors-elect in the region are also searching for suitable county executives.
The lobbying for top county jobs has attracted the interest of UDA top brass, including President-elect William Ruto who is a resident of the region.
Sources indicated some poll losers had been seeking Ruto’s assistance to get county jobs.
Assumption of office committees have also begun meeting in the counties where budgets have also been set aside to finance the swearing-in of the incoming governors.
Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed 47 judges who will preside over the swearing-in of governors who will were elected on August 9.
Most governors will be sworn in on Thursday this week.
In North Rift the governor elects to be sworn in include George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Wesley Rotich (Elgey Marakwet), Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu) and Stephen Sang of Nandi.
Natembeya will be succeeding outgoing Governor Patrick Khaemba who has completed his second term. Bii will be takin over from Mandago in Uasin Gishu and Rotich will be succeeding his retiring boss, Alex Tolgos, in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Kachapin made a comeback in West Pokot where he will be taking over from Professor John Lonyangapuo. Kachapin had lost to Lonyangapuo on the previous election but made a comeback on August 9.
In Nandi, Sang was elected for a second term after defeating former governor Dr Cleophas Lagat.
Natembeya said they were ready to start work immediately after being sworn in.
“We are set for the task ahead and we pray for God’s guidance to enable us serve our people effectively," the former Rift Valley commissioner said.
(Edited by V. Graham)