Bett calls for free and open nominations in Kericho by-election

Deputy President William Ruto accompanied by Kericho senator Charles Keter among other Kericho leaders arrive for various development projects in Kericho county

Former Roads minister Franklin Bett, who is eyeing the Kericho senatorial seat, has told Jubilee Party leaders that residents will accept nothing short of free and fair nominations in the race for the party ticket.

The position fell vacant after Charles Keter, who has been the county’s senator since 2013, was appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary this month.

Speaking during the unveiling of his campaign team after Mr Keter was sworn into his new position on Friday, Mr Bett warned that if the new party leaders interfered with the nomination process, the government would risk political humiliation.

The Kericho senatorial by-election is expected to be an acid test for the newly unveiled Jubilee Party, which was formed by the coming together of parties allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

The President and DP have said they will defend their seats in the 2017 General Election through the party.

Bett added that JP leaders should have their grassroots intelligence report right if they opt for the consensus route proposed by Keter recently during Bargoror Goat Auction, which was also attended by the DP. “If they rely on false intelligence reports, the matter would end up like the story of the long and the short line, where the long line lost to the short line,” said Bett.

He nonetheless added that if he lost the nomination in a free and fair manner, he would remain in the party and support the victor.

“I’m in Jubilee to stay; it is too late for me to hop around,” said Bett.

Speaking separately, Nelson Koech, a politician and businessman also eyeing the Kericho senatorial seat, said the vacancy should be filled by a young person.

“Keter’s heir should be a young person who has the energy to campaign for President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto in the 2017,” Koech said.

And Kericho Women Representative Hellen Chepkwony appealed to female candidates to present themselves for the by-election.

“There is no reason why women should not vie for this post. This is a chance that can favour anyone and we would be happy if a woman won it,” she said.