This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, West Pokot County Chief Administrative Secretary Simon Kachapin announced his bid for the gubernatorial seat in the 2022 general election, setting the stage for a potentially contentious contest against incumbent Governor John Lonyangapuo.
Kachapin, a former governor of West Pokot County, made the announcement in Kapenguria town, where he told his supporters that he was ready to take on Lonyangapuo in the election.
'I want to state clearly to the doubting Thomases, that I’m going to contest for the West Pokot gubernatorial seat that I lost narrowly in the last elections,' Kachapin said, urging his supporters to give him another chance to complete development projects he initiated during his tenure as county boss.
Several prominent politicians from the Pokot community, including Senator Samuel Poghisio, Kapenguria MP Samwel Moroto, and Speaker of the West Pokot County Assembly Catherine Mukenyang, have pledged their support for Kachapin's bid, citing his strong development record in the county.
