Uasin-Gishu Governor Mandago, Sudi reconcile, vow to work together
Wycliffe Kipsang
Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and his political rival Oscar Sudi have buried the hatchet ahead of Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to the region this weekend.
After months of ugly exchanges that threatened to tar the DP’s popularity in his home county, the two addressed the press together on Wednesday promising to ensure the DP’s visit to the area on Saturday was successful.
The duo had bitterly clashed over the Uasin-Gishu county senatorial race with Sudi pouring cold water on Mandago’s interest in the seat and dared him to first account for what he has done in the 10 years in office.
Responding, the governor dismissed the MP for being a political novice who did not have any political say in the region.
But on Wednesday, the duo, while appearing together for the first time since the bare-knuckled exchanges, pledged to bury their differences and preach peace in the region.
Governor Mandago said that as leaders from the North Rift region, they will be in the forefront in preaching peaceful co-existence among the people and have agreed to put aside their political differences.
“Vile mnaona sisi viongozi tunafanya kazi pamoja (As you’ve seen we are working together as leaders).
We want all people in Uasin-Gishu county, irrespective of tribe and political affiliations, to live in peace as we approach the electioneering period,” said Mandago during a press conference at Eldoret Sports Club.
“We don’t mind where you will cast your vote. What we want to see is for peace to prevail during and after the elections,” added Mandago.
Sudi said all leaders were solidly behind the DP’s presidential bid and vowed to jointly sell Ruto’s agenda in the region.
Trouble had started after Sudi warned Mandago not to meddle with county politics but focus on a higher seat nationally after clearing his second and last term.
Governor Mandago yesterday maintained that his experience as a two-term county boss has prepared him adequately to legislate policies for the welfare of the county at the Senate.
“The biggest challenge we have as Council of Governors (CoG) has been delay in release of funds to the devolved units by the national government which has hampered service delivery to the people,” said Mandago.
