- Buzeki said he had decided to focus on his own political plans and avoid the baggage of marketing a party like UDA.
- Buzeki lost to Governor Jackson Mandago who is completing his second term next year.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Businessman cum politician Bundotich Kiprop better known as Buzeki has declared that he will not join UDA or any other party.
Instead, he will run for the Uasin Gishu governor seat as an independent.
Buzeki said he had decided to focus on his own political plans and avoid the baggage of marketing a party like UDA, which comes with many challenges especially during the primaries ahead of the general election.
“I have decided I will wait for all those battling in UDA so that they do what they are doing and then we meet in the premier league where I am fully prepared for the race,” Buzeki said.
Buzeki spoke during a funeral service for businesswoman Ruth Njambi at the Happy Church in the Pioneer area of Eldoret town.
Also present was Kenya’s envoy to Pakistan Professor Julius Bitok who has also declared his intention to vie for the governor seat.
Prominent Eldoret businessman James Wainaina was also present.
Buzeki said that during the 2017 elections, he narrowly lost to Governor Jackson Mandago who is completing his second term next year. He thanked residents for giving him over 150,000 votes at the time.
“I didn’t lose but I was the second winner. However, after that I became chairman of all losers in the country and went on with life with a lot of blessings from God.
"I supported Mandago to complete his time and now it's time to compete again,” Buzeki said.
He said losing elections is normal and political leaders must learn to compete and accept results without harbouring hard feelings against each other.
Wainaina urged both Buzeki and Bitok to ensure peace prevails in the region during the election.
He said all political leaders should avoid incidents of violence or incitement because the country is bigger than individual interests.
“Let all our politicians campaign freely anywhere in this country and we ensure peace so that our nation will emerge stronger to attract investors regardless of whoever wins,” Wainaina said.
Buzeki and Bitok said they would prioritise peace and ensure the unity of all residents.
Buzeki said as a businessman he would offer the best leadership if elected to succeed Mandago.
Bitok said after serving as an envoy for over seven years, he had gained the necessary experience and networks to help develop the region.
The two are among tens of politicians angling to succeed Mandago next year.
Except for Buzeki over ten other aspirants will be vying through UDA which is linked to Deputy President William Ruto. Uasin Gishu is Ruto's home county.
Political analysts predict a tough battle between Buzeki and the aspirant who will win during the UDA primaries.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)