The proposed negotiated democracy on sharing of elective posts in multi-ethnic counties in the North Rift has divided leaders as political and ethnic supremacy battles shape up ahead of the 2022 polls.
Whereas some leaders and Kalenjin elders are rooting for sharing seats to attain ethnic balance in the cosmopolitan Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties, others want voters to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders. The situation is similar in Elgeyo-Marakwet, which is dominated by Marakwet and Keiyo ethnic groups.
The proposal, according to the elders, would help attain ethnic and regional balance.
“In a region occupied by various ethnic groups, negotiated democracy is the assured formula to sustain the peace and attain tribal balance,” said Kipng’etich Korir, one of the Kalenjin elders.
But residents demand to exercise their democratic rights by electing popular leaders.
“We cannot accept a proposal that is undemocratic and meant to benefit some preferred candidates,” said Mr Mathew Koech from Moiben, Uasin Gishu.
This comes as supremacy battle pitting Nandis against Keiyos, rages. The two are the dominant communities in Uasin Gishu and their leaders have clashed over which of them should field a gubernatorial candidate in the 2022 General Election to replace Governor Jackson Mandago after his two term in office.
Applied in 2013
Ahead of the 2013 polls, the communities entered into a gentleman’s agreement where the governor was to come from the Nandi and the deputy from Keiyo. Mr Mandago, a Nandi, picked Mr Daniel Chemno, a Keiyo. The deal was maintained in 2017.
According to a number of Keiyo leaders, the Nandis were to support a Keiyo to replace Mr Mandago, a view that is already facing rejection from some Nandi leaders. Soy MP Caleb Kositany, who has declared his interest in the seat, has insists that whoever wants to succeed Mr Mandago must have the backing of the majority ethnic group, in an apparent reference to the Nandis.
“The majority will have their say in the 2022 gubernatorial race and those eyeing the seat must get the community’s (Nandis’) endorsement since the position is very pivotal to them,” maintained Mr Kositany.
But Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has cautioned against ethnic politics in the gubernatorial succession race.
“The electorate should reject tribal chauvinists and vote in development-oriented leaders. We value peaceful co-existence and there is nothing like being a Nandi, Keiyo, Marakwet or any other ethnic community when it comes to electing leaders,” said the second-term MP.
Mr Kositany promises to introduce a bottom-up approach to tackling the plight of residents.
“I will be running for governor in next year’s general election and I will be seeking your blessings,” said Mr Kositany in Eldoret.
Pakistan Ambassador Julius Bitok, who contested in 2013 losing narrowly to Governor Mandago, will also be making a second stab.
He says wealth creation through agriculture, youth empowerment, implementation of proper governance structures, partnership with local and international development associates to create solid economy are some of his top priorities if elected.
“I will be in the race to be the next governor. What I know is that the public requires is a strong economy that will sustain better livelihoods and this can be attained through competent leadership,” said Ambassador Bitok on the phone.
Other governor hopefuls include Nairobi Environment executive Veska Kangogo, Eldoret businessman Jonathan Bii, former Teachers Service Commission official Cleophas Tirop and Uasin Gishu assembly chief whip David Singoei.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Uasin Gishu assembly speaker David Kiplagat are also rumoured to be eyeing the seat.
Politician-cum-businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop, alias Buzeki, who in the 2017 General Election mounted a well-oiled campaign machine to give Mr Mandago a run for his money, has also declared an interest.
Ethnic calculation has proved a major factor in previous elections and the same might replicate. BY DAILY NATION