Tolgos won't run after Murkomen named to Cabinet

Former Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos will not run to replace Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who was nominated to the Cabinet.

Tolgos ran for the Senate seat on a Jubilee ticket but lost to Murkomen, a close ally of President Ruto. UDA swept the region.

Now Murkomen will have to resign from the Senate to take up the Cabinet post, meaning a by-election will be held when the seat is declared vacant by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

More than 34 aspirants — all UDA members — have expressed interest in running for the seat.

Many expected Tolgos to make a second run for the seat but he says though he is young, he will take a break from politics and move on with his private business. 

“I will  not be in the race this time but I wish everyone well," Tolgos said. He had been approached by his supporters to vie again.

“I will work with anyone elected by the people of Elgeyo Marakwet to take the senate seat," Murkomen said.

Allies of former Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui said he was likely to join the race.

Former Marakwet West MP William Kisang and former assembly Speaker Albert Kochei were among the first to declare interest in the seat.

"We thank the President for nominating Murkomen to the Cabinet because of his hard work and as people of Elgeyo Marakwet, we support the decision," Kisang said.

He said he had worked well as MP for two terms but lost in the last election and would now vie to serve the county.

"Having been MP for two terms, I am well placed to be senator and take over from where Murkomen leaves off," Kisang said.

Kochei said his experience as a former speaker gave him good experience.

Social media forums are awash with names of aspirants including newcomers.

Also mentioned among aspirants is Jerotich Seii. The county is mainly inhabited by the Keiyo and Marakwet subtribes of the Kalenjin community and they are likely to compete.

(Edited by V. Graham)