Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago's charisma and ability to articulate issues in an intelligent manner have won the heart of locals, attracting supporters to install him as the next Kalenjin kingpin after Deputy President William Ruto.
When he successfully retained his gubernatorial seat for the second time after thwarting businessman Zedekiah Bundotich popularly known as Buzeki, Mandago showcased his outstanding political prowess, rich with Kalenjin sayings and proverbs exploited to resonate with the locals.
Kibor Isaiah, a political analyst, argued that Mandago is an influential leader who will be at the forefront of campaigning for Ruto to clinch the country's top seat after President Uhuru Kenyatta's term comes to an end in 2022.
“Mandago’s style in politics is likened to that of the DP when he first plunged into politics. Ruto has mastered Kalenjin wits and adheres to cultural believes that normally pop up in his speech to catch the attention of his audience,” said Kibor, adding that the second term governor is still young but mature politically.
Hower, Uasin Gishu political analyst Elijah Maiyo differed with Kibor saying that Mandago has a long way to go. He cited his age which he argued will be a disadvantage in his quest to become the region's next kingpin.
“Though Governor Mandago is younger than the DP, they are in the same age set of Kaplelach and normally after them, Kalenjins will appoint someone from another age set,” said Maiyo, adding that the Kalenjin leadership mantle is given using age group.
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