The governor’s race in Elgeyo Marakwet has been thrown into disarray after a group of Keiyo elders broke ranks with their counterparts, who nominated former Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to succeed incumbent Alex Tolgos.
The Myoot Council of Elders, led by Major retired John Seii, was against the endorsement, claiming that there was no public input into the decision-making process.
“We recognise Boinnet but we are of the opinion that the race should be left open for all aspirants and the electorate to decide who is best to lead them. For now, we still treat him (Boinnet) as an aspirant,” Seii said.
According to Seii’s organization, some of the people who endorsed Boinnet were not members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), making the whole thing a waste of time.
Former MPs Lucas Chepkitony (Keiyo North), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South), former Sasini Managing Director Moses Changwony and Elizabeth Keitany, a woman leader, have all stepped down in favour of Boinnet after being persuaded by the elders.
Kiptanui has since announced that he will run as a UDA candidate for the Keiyo South parliamentary seat. After the elders’ decision, Keitany has decided to run for the Woman Representative position.
Boinnet will face up against Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich and former Eldoret Polytechnic Principal Josphat Sawe for the UDA ticket.
Tolgos has expressed interest in running for the Senate seat on the Azimio La Umoja ticket and will face off against incumbent Kipchumba Murkomen of the United Democratic Alliance.
