Governor Jackson Mandago with businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop (Buzeki) at a past event. [PHOTO/Courtesy]
Businessman Zedekiah Bundotich Kiprop (Buzeki) now says his fierce rivalry for the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat with incumbent Jackson Mandago will benefit President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.
Buzeki is vying as an independent candidate, while Mandago will be flying the Jubilee Party flag.
According to Buzeki, in the August polls, voters from the two camps will come out in large numbers to ensure their preferred candidate wins gubernatorial seat, but also end up casting a vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"What's going on in Uasin Gishu is good for President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term bid as the competition created will attract my supporters and those of Mandago to vote in August 8 subsequently ensuring high voter turnout," noted Mr. Buzeki.
Mandago's support base is majority among the Kalenjin community while Buzeki is seen to be supported by the non-Kalenjin communities that make up a sizeable number of Uasin Gishu voters.
The has over 400,000 registered voters and being a Jubilee stronghold, majority of the votes are likely to be cast in favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta and help him move closer towards the magic 50 plus one percent votes required to win the presidency.