Kericho county 2022 politics is slowly taking shape as new politicians eye top county seats. The latest being the seat of governor since Kericho governor Paul Chepkwony is in his second and final term. Already those whose names are featuring prominently to replace Chepkwony include cabinet secretary for Energy Charles Keter, Fred Kirui and Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
Paul Chepkwony
Others said to be in the race are Eric Mutai, Jonah Keter, former Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat and chairman for Unclaimed Assets Authority Richard Kiplagat among others. Mutai is busy popularising his candidature for the seat and is expected to face heavy weights. Langat contested in the last general elections but lost to Chepkwony and if he will be on the ballot, that is a man to watch. The governor is also among those who are said to be interested in the senate seat and is the man to watch if Cheruiyot has plans to go for gubernatorial seat in next year elections. The seat for the governor is not easy but if Keter is contesting then it will not be easy for other competitors to challenge him.
Aaron Cheruiyot
Others whose names are being mentioned include Kericho county assembly speaker Dominic Rono who is said to be fronted by an influential individual but yet to declare his interest. The senate seat is tricky especially if Senator Cheruiyot decides to defend the seat then his opponents may have it rough defeating him. The seat for governor places Keter on the top and if he has intention to contest to remain in the national government in a situation that he will be sure of appointment then race for governor is not predictable. With the death of deputy governor Susan Kikwai, it is now complicated since Chepkwony may pick a person who will take over in next year’s elections.
Charles Keter
With the economic hardships it is not easy to organise and fund a campaign unless one has the capacity to do so and Keter who has been in politics for years has what it takes. Apart from resources, his development record in the county having connected electricity to residents in the county will be a credit that will boost him while his opponents have nothing to show. Chepkwony on the other hand has served the county for two terms as a governor and he will be banking on his development record. Senator Cheruiyot has an advantage being an orator though he has nothing much to convince the electorate to successfully defend his seat.
Magerer Langat
The senator’s close links with William Ruto is an added advantage that could boost his reelection bit. If the county assembly speaker contests, then it will not be easy for him to mobilise county residents since he is unpopular. He spends most of the time in the county assembly competing Cheruiyot and Chepkwony and he is seen as a stranger. If indeed Rono has political intentions to vie for Kericho senate seat then he has to do a lot to popularise his candidature. Those interested in the top county seats have already positioned themselves and are looking for a network of reaching Ruto.
Richard Kiplagat
In the entire South Rift politics, if one wants to be elected to any elective post then one has to associate with the newly formed United Democratic Alliance party. Cheruiyot is the pointman of the DP in the county and has chances of using the opportunity to campaign. It is complicated for those close to the DP if his presidential ambitions go through next year elections. It will change the political scenario since some will abandon county seats and wait to serve in the national government.
