Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago speaks during a meeting with members of the Luhya community living in Uasin Gishu county at the Eldoret Social Hall grounds on July 25, 2017. [Photo/hivisasa.com]
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has stepped up efforts to get a share of the non-Kalenjin votes as the general elections day draws nearer.
Mandago's re-election bid is facing a stiff competition from tycoon Zedekiah Bundotich popularly known as Buzeki who enjoys a massive support from the Non-Kalenjins living in the county.
And in what is seen as a calculated move to muscle some of the votes from his competitor, Mandago on Tuesday held a meeting with members of the Luhya community living in the county.
During the meeting, the governor asked the Luhya community to vote for him in August 8th polls saying his administration had ensured equitable distribution of resources across the county since 2013.
He dismissed claims that he has been a tribal governor with his administration sidelining other communities.
"My development track record is there for everyone to see. I have been a governor for all communities in this county and this is why I allowed each ward to get sh4.5 million annually for bursaries," Mandago said.
"You should ignore those going round claiming I am against some tribes because all they are interested is bring divisions amongst locals for their selfish interests," he added.
Over 5,000 members of the Luhya community who attended the meeting at the Eldoret Social Hall grounds pledged to support Mandago.
Uasin Gishu is largely a cosmopolitan county but the Kalenjin community are the majority and analysts believe the non Kalenjin votes will play a critical role in determining the winner in the gubernatorial race between Mandago and Buzeki.