Joyce Laboso announces plan to vie for Bomet governor seat in 2017

Sotik MP and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso. [FILE/STANDARD]

BOMET: National Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Joyce Laboso is bracing for a political duel with Governor Isaac Ruto come the next general election.

Addressing Sotik residents at the weekend, Dr Laboso said she will not turn down public demand to gun for the top county seat in 2017.

"While I am under pressure from my colleagues in the National Assembly to be the next and first woman Speaker, the interests of Bomet's residents supersedes that and I am ready for the challenge," she declared.

This declaration by Dr Laboso is set to ignite a political showdown in the region ahead of the next election and she vowed not to "shy" away from her challengers.

"It is my pledge not to let down the people of Sotik who we have worked together over the years in improving the region. Now, since we have attained what we set for ourselves when I took over in 2008, it is time to take the next step," she said

Dr Laboso's pronouncement comes months after area MPs endorsed her to challenge governor Ruto in the 2017 gubernatorial race.

The deputy Speaker was accompanied by Chepalungu MP Paul Bii who backed her declaration saying time for dictatorial leadership in the county was over.

"It is time for the county to start charting a new path so that we can change the face of leadership and restore our electorate's hope in matters development," he said.

Mr Bii said the current leadership has failed to consult other leaders which has led to unfair distribution of resources and development.

MCAs Bernard Ngeno (Kapletundo), Joyce Korir (Singorwet) Counterpart, Evelyn Langat (Chesoen)also vowed to back change of leadership.