This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Trans-Nzoia Politics: Ruto, Wamalwa, and the Battle for County Leadership ¶
Trans-Nzoia Women Rep Janet Nangabo rode to national assembly in 2013 and 2017 courtesy of Eugene Wamalwa, but has since shifted her allegiance to William Ruto under the Inua Mama Project. This move has sparked a battle for county leadership, with Wamalwa and Ruto's allies vying for control.
Like Nangabo, Kakai Bisau attempted the Trans-Nzoia governor's seat in 2017 on the Jubilee ticket steered by Wamalwa, but lost to incumbent Patrick Khaemba. Bisau is now working in Ruto's office as a political strategist, but is struggling to work with Wamalwa for the 2022 gubernatorial seat.
As the 2022 polls approach, the rivalry between Ruto and Wamalwa is intensifying, with both sides trying to outmaneuver each other. The outcome of the Punguza Mizigo Bill and the Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI) will also play a crucial role in determining the fate of Trans-Nzoia county leadership.
Abraham Sing'oei, a Jubilee strategist working in Ruto's office, has announced his candidacy for the governor's seat, promising to unite all 42 tribes in the county. Sing'oei has a personal vendetta against Wamalwa, who he blames for his loss in the 2017 Kwanza parliamentary seat.
Chris Wamalwa, the Kiminini MP, is also vying for the governor's seat, with over 30 applicants for deputy governor's position. However, his bid is being countered by Bisau, who accuses him of not being sincere in his campaigns.
The rivalry between Ruto and Wamalwa has also led to the entrenchment of rival parties in the area, including FK, ODM, ANC, and Kanu. This could lead to Eugene Wamalwa building a new political tent and walking away with his supporters, leaving him with no stake in the formation of the new government in 2022.
