Kanu relishes battle with Jubilee in bid to reclaim supremacy in Rift Valley

The Kericho senatorial by-election is promising to be a bruising battle between the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) and independence party Kanu and is likely to renew the political rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto and his political nemesis in Rift Valley.

Last Monday, Kanu declared former Health Minister Paul Sang its candidate to face off with Aaron Cheruiyot, the youthful JAP flag bearer, and two other aspirants. Sang is a well known politician in the region and came second behind former Senator Charles Keter, now the Energy Cabinet Secretary, in the 2013 General Election.

Already, politicians from the South Rift have started taking sides in the contest, with a number throwing their weight behind the former Health minister popularly known by the locals as Chamanbuch (love me for free).

During the launch for Sang’s campaign at Kericho Green stadium, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto warned JAP to prepare for an epic political battle.

The March 7 by-election is already drawing a lot of interest.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion, who was also present at Sang’s campaign launch, exuded confidence that the Kanu candidate would carry the day, and said teachers were ready to support his bid for the Senate seat.

“Sang has a history of working closely with teachers. During the 2009 nationwide strike, he offered to arbitrate the stalemate between Knut and the government that later saw teachers being paid. We have to support him,” said Sossion.

The Knut leader took issue with the Jubilee administration for criminalising the teacher’s issues and their quest for a pay hike, and said Kanu would look after their interests.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat dismissed any suggestions that Cheruiyot would have an upper hand.

Cheruiyot garnered 17,565 votes against Sammy Chepkwony , who emerged second with 17,081 votes .

Salat said Jubilee Coalition had forced the by-election by picking Keter as Cabinet Secretary.

“Let JAP know that the contest will not be a walk in the park, Kanu will prove that it still rules in the Rift,” he said.

But Nandi senator Stephen Sang says the Jubilee team will not leave anything to chance.

“We know we are the front runners in the seat. We will deliver victory in Kericho in a big way. We want an overwhelming victory to send a message to those who still doubt the strength of the new party,” said the Nandi senator.

Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen believes JAP faces no threat from the independence party.

“We will only be looking for a landslide victory in the Kericho by-election,” said Murkomen.