Henry Kosgey gearing up for a comeback as sons eye parliamentary seats

Former long serving Tinderet MP Henry Kiprono Kosgey. This time, the former ODM chairman has set his sights on the Nandi gubernatorial seat. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

With the next elections just under a year away, several political heavy weights who lost in 2013 are flexing their muscles for a come back bid.

After spending the past few years in the political wilderness, Henry Kiprono Kosgey, the former long serving Tinderet MP and one of Rift Valley’s senior most politicians, is back with a bang.

Mr Kosgey (pictured) was beaten by then unknown Stephen Sang in the race for Nandi Senator.

This time, the former ODM chairman has set his sights on the Nandi gubernatorial seat. And he will be seeking to vie on a Jubilee ticket.

Others who have expressed interest in the Nandi top seat are former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Felix Koskei and former High Commissioner to Australia Stephen Tarus. Governor Cleophas lagat is also expected to defend his seat.

Kosgey, who was recently appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta as Chairman of the Tourism Fund, represented Tinderet as MP six times. His appointment came barely a month after announcing his interest for the governorship.

“If you elect me, I will accord equal representation to the one million residents of Nandi County. I will be a governor for all, not a few people,” he said.

His sons are also keen on following in his footsteps, with Alex, the sitting Emgwen MP keen to defend his seat.

But it is the rise of Alan Kosgey, who is currently involved in community development activities in Kesses constituency in Uasin Gishu, that has tongues wagging that he could be interested in the seat.

Asked whether he is interested in the Kesses seat, Alan said he will make known his interests “at an appropriate time”.

Former Eldoret South MP David Koros, who is also eyeing the seat, has welcomed Alan to the race. Others interested in the seat are Dr Swarup Mishra, the CEO of Mediheal Group of Hospitals and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer.

Alex is expected to face off with a host of other hopefuls who include Beijing Olympics 800 meters champion Wilfred Bungei, Meshack Kimutai, the national chairman Kenya Youth Alliance among others.