It is a do-or-die contest for aspirants in North Rift

Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat speaks to the press at the County's Assembly precincts in Kapsabet Town on March 15, 2016. He has been accused of mismanaging county funds. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The nominations will take place in Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Bomet and Nandi counties.
  • Some areas have been mapped as hotspots and additional security officers have been deployed to deal with chaos.

Repeat Jubilee nominations in four North Rift counties could be a do-or-die affair if the massive turnout in the shambolic Friday exercise was anything to go by.

Whoever wins will have a headstart in the August General Election.

The nominations will take place in Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Bomet and Nandi counties tomorrow.

Today, security teams were put on high alert.

YOUNG ASPIRANTS
Some areas have been mapped as hotspots and additional security officers have been deployed to deal with chaos ahead of the cancelled Friday nominations.

The race in Nandi County will be a tight one.

Aspirants for various positions were involved in door-to-door campaigns today to attract an estimated 400,000 party loyalists.

Veteran politician Henry Kosgey and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei face off in the Jubilee gubernatorial battle.

Also in the race is Nandi Senator Stephen Sang who wants to dethrone Governor Cleophas Lagat.

Mr Sang has repeatedly accused the county boss of nepotism and mismanaging public resources.

The entry of the two former cabinet ministers raises tension in the politically volatile county.

Young Turks have complicated the equation too.

SPIRITED CAMPAIGNS
Mr Kosgey served as cabinet minister in the Moi and Kibaki governments.

He has been in charge of transport and communications, co-operative development, culture and social services, environment, tourism, science and technology, education and industrialisation.

His son Alex is defending the Emgwen parliamentary seat while Allan Kosgey is eyeing Kesses parliamentary seat in Uasin Gishu County.

Nominations there will be conducted on Tuesday.

Mr Koskei has been rallying voters in the populous county to support his bid for governor.

He promises to improve roads, health and agriculture if elected Nandi governor.

Governor Lagat has put up a spirited campaign to retain the seat.

LABOSO AND KONES
In Bomet, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso and former MP Julius Kones face off in a bruising battle to unseat Mr Isaac Ruto of Chama cha Mashinani.

Mr Ruto joined the National Super Alliance late last week.

Dr Laboso, who is Sotik MP, is running against Dr Kones, the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation chairman and Bomet deputy governor Stephen Mutai.

Dr Kones, a mathematics lecturer who contested the nomination won by Mr Ruto in 2013, defected to Kenya National Congress and came second in the race.

Those who support him cite his gentle mien and approachability.

Dr Laboso is perceived as a favourite owing to her closeness with Deputy President William Ruto.