Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago (left) with billionaire businessman Zedekiah Bundotich Buzeki at a past meeting. [Photo/Joe Khisa]
Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has opened up for the first about a bruising battle for the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat between governor Jackson Mandago and billionaire businessman Zedekiah Bundotich popularly known as Buzeki that was witnessed during the general elections.The two faced off twice, during the Jubilee party nominations and on August 8, with Mandago winning both contests.But speaking at Concord secondary school in Eldoret town on Friday, Sudi, a close ally of governor Mandago narrated how the entry of Buzeki in the gubernatorial race left Mandago worried."When we began our campaigns, the governor would always go round asking all those interested in the elective positions to come to the podium and introduce themselves but there was none for his post and when Buzeki declared interest this suddenly changed and within a week Mandago had lost weight," Sudi said amid laughter from members of public.Buzeki who opted to vie as an independent candidate after losing to Mandago in Jubilee party primaries had mounted well-oiled campaigns across the county and at some point opinion polls indicated that he was headed for a win.However, at the end, Mandago retained his seat with a margin of 40,000 votes against Buzeki but he credited his win to an endorsement from the opposition's National Super Alliance (NASA).NASA principles during a rally at 64 stadium in Eldoret town had asked their supporters to vote for Mandago despite being a Jubilee candidate"If it was not for 'tialala and tibim' I will not be governor today," Mandago told the press at the county headquarters in Eldoret town a few days after he was declared the winner.*Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Uasin Gishu County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by Joining this group, and have it published.* https://chat.whatsapp.com/7GcReSJ5zQQ0Us9eWrEhMI