Kenyan gubernatorial candidates are making calculated choices for running mates, emphasizing factors like age, gender, professional expertise, and ethnic representation to bolster their campaigns.
Rope in young votes ¶
In Bomet County, Prof Hillary Barchok retains his deputy Shadrack Rotich for a second term on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Former governor Isaac Ruto, meanwhile, selected 29-year-old Doris Chepkoech, an economics graduate, to appeal to younger voters and women. Benard Mutai of the Amani National Congress (ANC) chose Elizabeth Langat, an agricultural scientist from Konoin constituency, to address regional imbalances in deputy governor appointments.
Kericho County’s Dr Erick Mutai, running on the UDA banner, paired with Fred Kirui, who shifted from governor to deputy. Independent candidate Samwel Rotich chose Elijah Kiru Maru as his running mate, forming a strategic alliance to counter former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter. This move disrupted Keter’s political trajectory, ending his bid after a significant gamble.
Regional and ethnic considerations ¶
In Elgeyo Marakwet, Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich selected Grace Cheserek, a university professor and former National Employment Authority chair, while independent candidate Moses Changwony chose Benson Biwott, a nurses’ union leader. National Vision Party’s Anthony Chelimo picked Benson Rotich, a financial expert, to strengthen his campaign.
Baringo’s former governor Benjamin Cheboi chose Charles Kipng’ok, a veteran tea industry executive, to emphasize industrial expertise. In Bungoma, Zacharia Baraza selected Kingsley Mutali, a former intelligence officer involved in the Nabuyole Falls restoration. Trans Nzoia’s George Natembeya (Democratic Action Party-Kenya) partnered with Philomena Binea Kapkori to target women and Kalenjin voters, while Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa chose Bethwel Kirior to appeal to Kalenjin communities.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo retained Simon Koudomuk Kachapin, a former teacher, while former governor Simon Kachapin, running on UDA, selected Robert Komole from North Pokot Sub-county. In Nandi, Governor Stephen Sang kept Deputy Governor Yulita Cheruiyot for a second term, and Nakuru’s Lee Kinyanjui named Francisca Kamuren, a move aimed at securing women’s votes.
In Nyandarua, Francis Kimemia chose Joseph Mbugua to leverage public and private sector expertise. Murang’a’s Irungu Kang’ata picked Dr Winfred Njeri Mwangi, a land economist, while Farmers Party’s Irungu Nyakera selected Catherine Mugo, a sociologist and former county assembly director. Jubilee’s Jamleck Kamau named Dr Naomi Kagone, a multidegree holder, to showcase academic credentials.
Coastal and regional dynamics ¶
In Kirinyaga, independent candidate Wangui Ngirici chose Eliud Wanjao, a former Kenya Revenue Authority official. Laikipia’s Ndiritu Muriithi selected Michael Waigwa, while Meru’s Kiraitu Murungi retained Titus Ntuchiu. Mithika Linturi, a challenger, picked Linda Kiome, a lawyer from Imenti North. Kawira Mwangaza chose Isaac Mutuma, a Methodist minister from a political family.
Tharaka Nithi’s Erastus Njoka, on Jubilee, selected Mucee Rukunja, a former polytechnic principal, to strengthen regional support. Narc Kenya’s Mzalendo Kibunjia chose Micheni Ruriani from Maara constituency to broaden his voter base. In Coast, Orange Democratic Movement’s Abdulswamad Nassir partnered with Francis Thoya to tap Mijikenda and Luo communities, while Wiper’s Mike Sonko chose Ali Mbogo, a Kisauni MP, with religious considerations in mind.
Kwale’s Sammy Ruwa, an independent, selected Zainab Hassan Mwalupa, a Digo, while Gereza Dena (Kanu) chose Samira Mohamed, also a Digo. Pamoja African Alliance’s Lung’anzi Chai picked Kavwa Said Mwakaribu, a Digo, and UDA’s Fatuma Achani, the sole female gubernatorial candidate, chose Chirema Kombo, a Samburu MCA, to appeal to Duruma voters.
In Taita Taveta, Governor Granton Samboja replaced his deputy with Priscilla Mwangeka after a 2019 fallout. Tana River’s Hussein Dado, on UDA, selected Ibrahim Sane to split Wardei votes, while Dr Nuh Nassir chose Uruji Daido. In Kakamega, ANC’s Cleophas Malala picked Dr Beatrice Inyangala, a woman, to target youth and women, while ODM’s Fernandes Baraza chose Ayub Savula, a Lugari MP.
Vihiga County’s George Khaniri focused on youth by selecting Jerald Samoyo, while Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga chose Oyugi Magwanga after ODM intervention. In Siaya, Senator James Orengo and Nicholas Gumbo both targeted Alego Usonga, with Orengo choosing William Oduol and Gumbo selecting Charles Owino, a former police spokesman.
