Musalia Mudavadi's ANC to back Kanu in Kericho senate by-election

Amani National Congress Party leader Musalia Mudavadi. PHOTO: FILE

KERICHO: Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress (ANC) has announced that it would support Paul Sang - the Kanu flag-bearer for the March 7 Kericho Senate by-election.

This comes as Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter throws his weight behind Aaron Cheruiyot, the youthful Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) candidate.

Also in the race is lawyer Wycliffe Lessan who will be gunning for the seat through Maendeleo Development Party and former Kipkelion Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Daniel Tanui (National Vision Party).

According to ANC Secretary General Geoffrey Osotsi, the party will also work with Mashinani Development Party of Kenya (MDPK) - associated with Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto to give the ruling Jubilee coalition a run for their money.

However, Keter argued that Jubilee will emerge victorious saying before being appointed to the cabinet, his term as senator had not ended.

He was speaking during a Sunday church service at Sitotwet African Inland Church (AIC) in Ainamoi constituency,

Keter appealed to the area residents to show gratitude to the government for the several development projects initiated in the county and those in the pipeline by backing Cheruiyot and allow jubilee to retain the seat.

"I am one of the founder members of Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) and as I accepted my appointment to the cabinet, I promised President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Deputy President William Ruto that jubilee would retain my seat and there is no doubt about that," said Keter.

The CS also assured the residents that though he had left the political scene to concentrate on his cabinet duties, he would still play a critical role in guiding and shaping the county politics.

"The electorate should not worry at all or feel abandoned because I will still be around to offer advice and guidance whenever need be," said Keter.

Both Cheruiyot and Sang who also attended the function argued that each of them was the ideal candidate to replace Keter at the senate.

"I have good development agenda which would cater for the youth, women and the elderly. As the residents believed in my vision and voted for me during the nomination I believe they will back me throughout to the Election Day," said Cheruiyot.

Sang pointed out most leaders make pledges they can't deliver but promised that if elected the senator, the situation would change and action would match the words.

"Previously elected leaders were quick to make promises which they knew were outright lies but for me I would be a man of my words. I will defend devolution and implement the issues which are possible," he said.