Eldoret tyre vendor Josphat Kiema. [Photo/sde.co.ke]
A business man from Eldoret has claimed to be behind the re-election of Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago.Mandago was re-elected for a second term in office during the August 8 polls after beating his closest rival, businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop aka Buzeki.During one of the National Super Alliance (NASA) campaigns in Uasin Gishu, NASA principals threw their support behind Mandago and asked their supporters to vote for him According to Josphat Kiema alias Katitu who is a tyre seller, he was the one who came up with the idea of having NASA principals back Jubilee's Mandago.Kiema says he met with Wiper chief Kalonzo Musyoka, Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzi Junior, together with Kamba leaders at the Eldoret airstrip, where he told them his idea which was welcomed.“Kalonzo and Wetang’ula listened to me and asked that we sell the idea to Nasa supporters, if supporting Mandago was the only way to get support from Kalenjins,” Kiema is quoted by the Nairobian.The businessman added that his idea was shared with NASA's flag bearer Raila Oding and other local leaders.“I was surprised when Kalonzo, Wetang’ula, Rutto and Mudavadi openly declared that Nasa was supporting Governor Mandago candidature, just as my brother Katitu had requested,” another businessman, Daniel Ngovia, who claimed Kiema was telling the truth is quoted by the daily.Without me asking Nasa leaders, especially Kalonzo, to back Governor Mandago, Buzeki would have carried the day with a big margin,” said Kiema.