Governor Tunai declares he will run for senate seat in 2022

Narok County Governor Samuel Tunai. [Boniface Thuku, Standard]

Governor Samuel Tunai declared interest in the senatorial seat. 

Tunai who has lately been seen traversing the country is serving his second and last term as governor.

His close allies have been urging him to remain in politics as he was still “too young to retire”.

“Our governor is too young to exit the political scene and that is why we want him to go for the senate seat,” said Benard Torome, Narok Town Ward MCA and the assembly Leader of Majority.

Tunai who comes from the minority Siria clan was elected on the platform of uniting communities in the cosmopolitan county will be competing against incumbent Senator Ledama Kina (ODM), and land rights activist Meitamei Ololdapash. Julius Kuiyoni, a journalist who worked with a local radio station Maiyan FM, is also eyeing the senate post.

Those seeking to replace Tunai as governor include Labour CAS Patrick Ntutu, Youth Affairs PS Charles Sunkuli and MPs Soipan Tuya (Woman Rep), Korei Lemein (Narok South), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) and Korei ole Lemein (Narok South).

Ntutu is banking on his experience as MP, state officer and his previous performance where he came second to Governor Tunai. “I came second last time and that is why in 2022 I should take over,” said Ntutu.

On her part, Tuya warned her male colleagues to prepare for a bruising battle in the polls.

“I have traversed Narok County and I have heard from the electorate that they want a new menu this time around. They want a woman governor and I am in,” said the legislator.