Political temperatures are rising in
Uasin Gishu as rival camps openly trade barbs ahead of a high-stakes 2027 general election.
The political camp led by Governor Jonathan Bii and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi stirred up the exchanges after the lawmaker asked residents not to re-elect Woman Representative Gladys Shollei.
The governor also endorsed lawyer Isaac Terer to replace Senator Jackson Mandago. They both spoke at a function in Burnt Forest.
The remarks have triggered sharp political exchanges in the county, which is considered a key political stronghold of President William Ruto.
Sudi and Bii have aligned themselves under what they call “Team A,” describing themselves as performers focused on delivering services to residents.
“I was not elected to work for every other leader, including those who don’t even appear at public events. That is why people like our Woman Rep Shollei should not be re-elected,” said Sudi.
He spoke during the homecoming event for Akorino Church Archbishop Paul Gathuo, where he also introduced aspirants teyeing Shollei’s seat.
Governor Bii accused some MPs in the region of failing to recognise his leadership, warning that he will face them politically in the 2027 polls.
Senator Jackson Mandago, seen as a key figure in “Team B,” dismissed the endorsement politics, saying elective seats belong to voters, not political leaders.
“It’s the people who will decide during elections. There is nothing like endorsing someone into office,” Mandago said.
Shollei hit back at Sudi, saying she was elected to serve residents directly and not to “hero-worship” other leaders. She also accused the governor of interference in her political activities.
The rivalry has widened with allies of Mandago backing PS Julius Bitok to challenge Governor Bii. Also expected to run for the seat of governor is businessman Bundotich Kiprop (Buzeki). Bitok has already declared interest in the governorship.
With multiple aspirants lining up for key seats, analysts say the performance of current leaders will face intense scrutiny as the region heads into heated UDA primaries expected early next year.
The emerging “Team A and Team B” split signals a potentially bruising political contest in the county, with shifting alliances likely to define the race for top seats.
