Leaders in North Rift still uncertain on their interests

Uncertainty hangs over the North Rift as leaders mull over which positions to gun for under the new Constitution.

Except for Turkana county which voted for the new law, Uasin Gishu, Pokot, Nandi, Elgeyo/Marakwet and Baringo counties voted against the document.

In Uasin Gishu, a number of people, including lawyer Katwa Kigen and Eldoret North Constituency Development Fund chairman Isaac Maiyo, are being mentioned in relation to the governor’s seat.

In Trans Nzoia, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa’s name has been mentioned for the governor’s seat but, when contacted, he said he was going for the presidency.

“I am not going for anything less than the presidency and I urge youths who are the majority, according to the recent census figures, to support me,” Mr Wamalwa said.

He added: “I am focusing on the main chair but we would want somebody with professionalism and integrity for our Trans Nzoia county.”

For the Bungoma county, office of the Prime Minister assistant minister Alfred Khangati is reported to have expressed an interest in the governor’s seat though he said he would go public about the issue later.

William Cheptumo, lawyer John Kipkebut and former Baringo North MP William Boit are said to be eyeing the Baringo County governorship.

In Nandi, leaflets were circulated at the weekend calling on Central PC Kiplimo Rugut to resign and go for the seat. In Turkana, Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro is said to be interested in the seat.