Former Eldoret South MP Peris Simam has withdrawn from the race for governor in Uasin Gishu and backed one of the leading UDA aspirants, Jonathan Bii.
Bii, popularly known as 'Koti Moja', held a rally Langas in Eldoret where Siman announced her withdrawal, saying she believes her decision was in the best interests of the people.
“After wide consultations with my supporters and friends, it was decided we join team Koti Moja so that we can give Uasin Gishu the leadership desired by the majority,” Simam Said.
The former MP is a well-known political figure in the county where she is popularly known as 'Pepea na Mama'. Her decision to withdraw from the race is a major boost to Bii who is one of leading aspirants.
Bii is considered a frontrunner in the race that also has former envoys Julius Bitok and Sarah Serem along with Soy MP Caleb Kositanyi, MCA for Ngenyilel David Sing’oei and former Nairobi devolution executive Vesca Kangogo.
They are all seeking the UDA ticket and will face off in primaries next month.
Uasin Gishu county is home to DP William Ruto and all the aspirants are close allies of the DP but he has kept off, not appearing to back any candidate.
Bii was the first aspirant to declare his interest to succeed Jackson Mandago three years ago and he has fashioned himself as ‘the people’s governor' because of his simplicity and down-to-earth campaigns in the region.
He is said to have visited the highest number of homes and villages in the county to plead for support. Analysts say the main race for the UDA ticket may be between him and Bitok. Bitok who has been envoy to Pakistan will be making a second stab at the seat after losing to Mandago in the jubilee primaries 10 years ago.
“I have a wealth of experience and tested leadership which I want to use in taking Uasin Gishu to the next level,” Bitok said. The campaign is hinged on a six-point agenda to deal with critical issues in the region including education, employment trade and infrastructure.
The winner of the UDA primaries will however face an even bigger battle against businessman Bundotch Kiprop Buzeki who will be vying as an independent candidate.
Buzeki is also popular in the county and as in the last election, he is expected to mount a well oiled campaign that will be boosted by his political oratory skills ahead of the August 9th polls.
(Edited by V. Graham)
