The nomination of Senator Charles Keter to the Executive as Energy Cabinet secretary has given a lifeline to politicians he defeated in the 2013 General Election.
They are already strategising in the hope that Mr Keter’s nomination is approved by the National Assembly.
Among those eyeing the seat is former Cabinet minister, Paul Sang, who contested on the Kanu ticket in 2013.
“I am prepared for the battle,” said Mr Sang, adding that the by-election would give his party a chance to strengthen its place in Rift Valley politics.
“This is a chance for the party to reclaim its position in the region’s politics, and for me to test the political waters ahead of the 2017 General Election,” said Sang.
Another former Cabinet minister, Franklin Bett, who decamped from ODM is said to be watching keenly the unfolding political events.
Mr Bett yesterday said he would declare his intentions only if Keter’s nomination is approved by Parliament.
“I have heard people saying I should offer myself should a by-election be called, but it is too early for that. Let’s wait for the process to take its course,” he said.
Stella Chepkurui who contested the Senate seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, and was a distant third, declared her intention to contest for the seat in the anticipated by-election.
“This time around, I believe I stand a chance since I have been on the ground and people are not happy about the performance of the Jubilee government,” she said.
Ms Chepkurui said that in the 2007 polls, the region voted unanimously for ODM as the party of choice, adding that they had realised they made a mistake by backing Jubilee in 2013.
“The Opposition stands a chance after Jubilee failed to deliver on their pre-election pledges. There is no a better time for a by-election in Kericho County than now,” she said.
Former ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat has also expressed interest in contesting for the senatorial seat.
Mr Magerer said he would gun for the seat on a Jubilee ticket, once it is declared vacant by the Senate Speaker.
By-elections imminent
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Keter’s name is expected to be tabled before a National Assembly committee for vetting tomorrow. If approved by Parliament, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will have to organise for by-elections within three months, as per the law.
Bett who served in the grand coalition government said he has faith in the team that was picked by the President and his deputy.
“I wish Senator Keter well in his new position, and I am confident that Parliament will approve his nomination,” he said.
Others said to be eyeing the seat include Nelson Koech who unsuccessfully vied for the Belgut parliamentary seat on a United Republican Party ticket, Paul Chirchir a Jubilee political activist, and Nairobi-based businessman Aaron Cheruiyot.
The sub-counties where the individual aspirants hail from are expected to be a factor on who gets elected. Whoever clinchees the Jubilee party ticket will have it easy, since Senator Keter is a close ally of URP leader William Ruto.
Magerer expressed optimism that the party elections would be fair adding that coming Kipkelion would work to his advantage.
— Reporting by Daniel Psirmoi, Stephen Mkawale and Nikko Tonui
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