Five days to the general election, the big question in Rift Valley is whether the numerous independent candidates will upset UDA in DP William Ruto's stronghold.
Major battles are expected in the contest for the governor in Uasin Gishu where independent candidate Bundotich Kiprop Buzeki is facingUDA’s Jonathan Bii, popularly known as Koti Moja. He usually wears one coat, isn't flashy and gives the impression of identifying with the common man, and woman.
“The contest will be keenly watched as both of them have the capacity to win because, unlike in 2017, Buzeki has made inroads in rural areas," youth leader Julius Kiptoo said.
Another major battle to watch will be between UDA Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and outgoing Governor Alex Tolgos going for the same seat through Jubilee.
In the last week, DP Ruto has campaigned in hotly contested areas, urging locals to reject independents whom he says are being used to split the vote and undermine him.
Buzeki said despite Ruto’s campaign they will cause upsets by winning seats because residents do not want leaders imposed on them through UDA. They don't like anyone dictating their votes.
“Our people are not electing parties but leaders with the capacity to deliver better service”, Buzeki said.
DP Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza team also focused on several other contests that will be keenly observed.
They include Nandi Hills where MP Alfred Keter is running for reelection as an independent against Benard Kitur of UDA .
In Mosop area independent MP Vincent Tuwei is battling Abraham Kirwa of UDA.
In Uasin Gishu, which is DP Ruto's home county, Kesses MP Dr Swarrup Mishra is running as an independent against UDA man Julius Ruto.
In Moiben, MP SilasTiren is running against UDA 's Professor Phyllis Bartoo.
MP for Ainabkoi William Chepkut is also as an independent against UDA man Samwel Chepkonga.
In Marakwet West, MP William Kisang of the Jubilee Party is facing independent candidate Timothy Toroitich. In Keiyo North, MP Dr James Murgor is running as an independent against UDA candidate Adams Kipipsanai.
Most of the independent candidates have carried out extensive campaigns that threatened the dominance of UDA.
UDA officials led by coordinator Paul Kiprop said the independents had no capacity to upset the party in Ruto’s backyard.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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