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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Kericho campaigns hot up as D-day nears

Politics

By Nikko Tanui and Vincent Mabatuk | Feb 28, 2016

KANU Senatorial aspirant Paul Sang with supporters at Lemotit in Kipkelion East where they were drumming support for the senatorial position PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU

KERICHO: Campaigns for the Kericho County by-election are getting more intense as the March 7 date nears.

Yesterday, leaders crisscrossed the county beating the drum for their candidates in what has turned out a do or die political duel for Jubilee and Kanu supporters.

The contest has attracted five candidates, but Jubilee Alliance Party’s (JAP) candidate Aaron Cheruiyot and Kanu’s Paul Sang look set to fight for seat.

Speaking in Sosiot Trading Centre in Belgut constituency, Deputy President William Ruto fought off claims that he was feeding south rift residents outright lies on development.

“I am the Deputy President and what I’m saying is true. Therefore, my political detractors should leave me alone. I said the government would construct at least 150 kilometres of tarmac roads and contractors are on the site,” he said.

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Community unity

The roads are Premier- Kabianga- Tablotin, Brooke- Kipkelion- Londiani, Chepseon- Kipkelion- Kebeneti, Kericho- Kipchimchim- Ainamoi- Thesalia among others.

“The government is working and delivering on its pledges. Kericho residents should therefore decide whether they want a government which is committed to development or opt out just for politics’ sake,” said Ruto.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, who accompanied the DP, expressed confidence that Jubilee would retain his former seat at the Senate.

Cheruiyot argued that he was the best candidate to replace Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter. “The time is now for the youth to take over the leadership mantle. We pray that senior politicians will not spoil our chances of ascending to power,” he said.

And speaking in Londiani, Governor Ruto argued that the community unity was cemented through language, culture and history among others but have the democratic right to chart their own political destiny.

“Members of the Kalenjin community are united and will remain so for eternity. What they just want is the freedom to chart their own political destiny without being forced or coaxed,” said the governor.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi reminded the DP that Kanu was not to blame for the ills which have dogged the Jubilee administration since into power.

“Kericho residents have given all indications that they are not at ease with Jubilee government and they are going to use the March 7 by-election as a letter to the government that they would no longer accept to be taken for granted,” said Sudi. Kanu candidate Sang dismissed the age factor as a non-issue.

Sang listed development projects he had initiated as Bureti MP arguing that he was the best candidate for the job. “My track record speaks for itself and it demonstrates that I am not a corrupt leader. My only aim is to ensure that devolution is a success and public funds are protected,” he said.

Governor Ruto told President Kenyatta that he risks losing support from the Kalenjin community unless criminal cases facing the Deputy President and former journalist Joshua Sang at the international Criminal court were dropped.

“I am asking you not to vote for him in 2017 if the two will not have been vindicated by the ICC. We want to vote when they are free. Imagine he walked out alone and left others,” Ruto said. He accused Jubilee top leadership of abandoning the issues promised in the manifesto as soon as they ascended to power.