Nandi Governor Stephen Sang is serving his first term in office and is expected to seek re-election in the upcoming 2022 general elections.
The vocal Jubilee governor is a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto.
The county boss has on several occasions castigated politicians accused of plotting to frustrate DP Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.
Sang recently hit out at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over claims that the investigative agency is targeting Ruto's allies in the fight against graft.
With the 2022 succession politics taking shape, Governor Sang is likely to have a hard time defending his gubernatorial seat.
Here are two politicians likely to give governor Sang a run for his money in the much-awaited 2022 polls.
1. Samson Cherargei
The first-term senator is among vocal politicians in the Rift Valley region.
Senator Cherargei is never afraid of speaking his mind and has on several occasions condemned politicians who he claims are out to taint Deputy President William Ruto’s name.
The senator has also been raising questions over the famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He has often accused Raila of hiding behind the handshake to break the Jubilee Party.
With his rising political influence, Senator Cherargei is likely to contest for the Nandi governor seat in 2022.
The vocal senator is however yet to declare interest in the seat.
2. Alex Kimutai Kosgey
The son of former Cabinet Minister Henry Kosgey won the Emgwen Parliamentary seat in the 2017 general election.
He is among the youthful Members of Parliament who enjoy the support of young people in Nandi County.
Kosgey is the new political force in Nandi politics and is likely to give Governor Sang a run for his money in 2022.
The young politician is however yet to hint on whether he will be seeking a higher seat in the 2022 polls.
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