Baringo South seat attracts new faces

By Robert Kiplagat 

The scramble to for the new Baringo South parliamentary seat has altered the political landscape, with new faces lining up.

Seven aspirants have confirmed their interest in the seat.

The new constituency is inhabited by the Endorois, Tugen and Illchamus, who have been in constant conflict over cattle and other resources.

According to local political observers, the next area MP will have an uphill task uniting the communities and developing dilapidated infrastructure.

“For many years, the minority pastoralist communities have been left out in the political cold. Members of majority communities prioritise development in their areas. People hope the new development will be a turning point in the constituency,” says Joseph Nasore, a long-time resident.

Among those who have declared interest for the seat include Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary, Baringo branch Charles Kamuren who is said to be enjoying the support of teachers in the area.

Woman candidate

Mr Kamuren, who comes from the minority Endorois community has been active in championing teachers’ issues.

He was also instrumental in a case where the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) took the Government to court over land. The court found the Kenyan Government guilty of violating rights of the indigenous Endorois community by evicting them from their land.

Another aspirant is Daniel Kandagor. He has tendered his  resignation at Egerton University where he has been working as a lecturer.

Dr Kandagor shocked many by declaring interest in the parliamentary seat after he had earlier announced he would be gunning for Baringo County governor seat.

The scholar is, however not new in area politics as he contested for the Baringo Central parliamentary seat against KANU’s Gideon Moi and current MP Sammy Mwaita in 2007 and lost during the nomination process.

Kipruto Kimosop, a coordinator of Baringo Human Rights Consortium is banking on youth issues to ascend to the  constituency’s leadership. He says youth unemployment and poor quality of education have sent many a youth into malpractices such as cattle rustling.

Women have not been left out in the battle for this new constituency. Grace Kipchoim, the Baringo Central CDF Treasurer has also declared interest in the seat. She promises to unite communities in the constituency.

Another youthful contestant, Samati Kemboi says a fresh beginning is needed to shape leadership and development in the region.

“We need to focus and merge our energies in solidarity towards the new era of Baringo South constituency and Baringo County in general through electing vibrant leaders,” he says.

Nakuru based lawyer, Raymond Kandie who also contested for Baringo Central seat in 2002 after retirement of former president Daniel Arap Moi, and stepped down after sensing defeat from the former MP Gideon Moi in 2007, is also eyeing the seat.

Decamping to URP

Peter Moindi, a Nakuru-based businessman has also shown interest in the already overcrowded field.

Sitting MPs in the County are similarly facing hurdles in trying to retain their seats.

All MPs in Baringo County have declared they are going to defend their seats come next General Elections.

Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita, is facing opposition from three other aspirants led by former Co-operative bank chairman, Hosea Kiplagat.

Mr Kiplagat was a powerful individual during president Moi’s regime. He was also one of Mr Moi’s most trusted lieutenants and still enjoys considerable attention whenever he visits the constituency.

The politician, who is popularly known as “HK” has initiated various development projects under HK foundation and has veered off public functions. He, however, continues to contribute to worthy causes through his agents.

Other contestants for Baringo Central seat include former Kabarnet town Mayor, John Kiprono and Joshua Kandie, a Germany-based businessman.

Gaining mileage

Mr Mwaita who has since decamped to United Republican Party (URP) told The County Weekly that he was not shaken by anybody as his development record in the constituency ‘speaks for itself’.

“Personally, I am not worried of any politician contributing towards community projects to gain political mileage. It is our people who stand to gain. Come the election date, voters will have their judgement,” says Mr Mwaita.

Higher Education Assistant Minister, Asman Kamama is also facing tough political challenge from Engineer Pepee Kitambaa and East Africa Community employee, Kasait Kamket.