Battle lines drawn for governors’ race
Mr Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru gubernatorial candidate, responds to questions during a debate at Merica hotel on July 13, 2017. The the incumbent Kinuthia Mbugua withdrew his bid to defend the seat. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Since 2013 when they came into office, governors were revered and sometimes idolised in their backyards and beyond.
- Nandi and Baringo will also have new governors following the losses by Cleophas Lagat and Benjamin Cheboi respectively.
As Kenyans head to the ballot on Tuesday, they will also be electing governors in one of the most hotly contested county seats in this election.
While some of the county bosses stand a chance of making a comeback, a number of them could lose the clout and trappings of power they have enjoyed in the past four years.
POLLSTERS
Since 2013 when they came into office, governors were revered and sometimes idolised in their backyards and beyond, and have been looked up to to set the agenda nationally.
Opinion polls by research firms Tifa and Infotrak in the past three months indicate that the majority of governors may have the advantage of incumbency, and might easily retain their seats.
COMPETITORS
Most races for governorship are however neck-and-neck and could go either way.
The incumbents are facing strong opposition from newcomers, their former deputies and senators.
County bosses exuding confidence in their re-election prospects are citing positive transformation of their counties through various projects in agriculture, roads, health, basic education and water.
KIRINYAGA
Party nominations saw one of the highest electoral casualties by governor incumbents.
Governors who look most unlikely to retain their seats include Mr Daniel Waithaka of Nyandarua and Kirinyaga’s Joseph Ndathi.
Mr Ndathi, who lost in the Jubilee Party primary, has been outshined by the heated campaigns between former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru, who won the Jubilee ticket, and Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua.
LOSSES
In Nyandarua, the contest appears to be a two-horse race between Dr Kiarie Badilisha (independent) and former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia of Jubilee, clouding the incumbent, Mr Waithaka.
Nakuru will have a new governor after the incumbent Kinuthia Mbugua withdrew his bid to defend the seat.
Nandi and Baringo will also have new governors following the losses by Cleophas Lagat and Benjamin Cheboi respectively in the nominations.
COUNCIL
Already, there are 47 county committees that have planned for the swearing-in ceremonies of executive power to new governors or those who will be re-elected.
The Council of Governors has also announced the new dates for the induction conference slated for Mombasa between September 4 and 7.
