Kamar to take on rivals as independent candidate
Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar has finally broken her silence on her political future and declared she will defend her seat as an independent candidate.
But during a meet-the-people tour in Moiben yesterday, Kamar made the declaration. “I have finally made a decision not to align myself to any political formation ahead of the August polls. I will defend my seat as an independent candidate,” she said.
This puts to end months of speculations on her party of choice in defending the seat in the August polls.
Kamar (pictured), the Senate Deputy Speaker, has defended her tenure, arguing that she did a lot in the five-year term and expressed optimism she will recapture the seat.
She will face off with the UDA candidate, who will clinch the ticket during the party primaries slated for April 14.
Perceived rebels
Those who will battle it out for the UDA ticket are outgoing Governor Jackson Mandago, lawyer Kipchumba Karori and comedian Robert Kemei.
Pressure has been piling on the senator, who was elected on a United Republic Party to throw her weight behind Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA after other perceived rebels in Rift Valley succumbed to public pressure and declared their political allegiance to the DP.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has since joined the DP’s camp while William Chepkut of Ainabkoi has remained ambivalent. Chepkut is expected to face off with former MP Samuel Chepkonga.
It is widely believed that Kamar opted to vie as an independent for fear that UDA primaries will not be free and fair.
Kamar, widow to former powerful Cabinet minister Nicholas Biwott, has come under pressure from DP’s allies for not singing to the UDA wave in the region. Her election as Senate Deputy Speaker, for instance, thrust her into national politics, however, it caused some political jitters in DP’s North Rift backyard.
Those against her election viewed it as opportunistic, especially after she took the position at the backdrop of the purge on leaders allied to the DP in Senate and National Assembly.
