An interim report on party primaries compiled by an Eldoret based Non governmental organization has revealed that over Sh0.8 billion was spend by aspirants in the North Rift region during their campaigns.
The report named Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirants incumbent Jackson Mandago and Bundotich Zedekiah Buzeki as the highest spenders during the nominations.
According to Centre for Human Rights and Democracy programmes coordinator Kipkorir Ngetich, both Mandago and Buzeki used over Sh100 million each during the campaigns.
The two had a fleet of branded vehicles they used to crisscross the county in hunt of the votes.
Buzeki, a billionaire businessman, in addition used two helicopters.
"Much of the money was spent to hire vehicles, buy food for event participants, organise fundraisers and pay agents," said Ng'etich, as quoted by the Star.
The report further said Mediheal Group of Hospitals Director Dr Swarrup Mishra was the biggest spender in the race for the Kesses Parliamentary seat.
During the campaigns, Dr Mishra gave vehicles to women’s groups, bought large TV screens and motorcycles to youth groups among other incentives.
He clinched the Jubilee party ticket with a landslide win against incumbent James Bett, Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer and Allan Kosgey son to former minister Henry Kosgey.
[Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirants incumbent Jackson Mandago (L) and Bundotich Zedekiah Buzeki (R) at a past meeting. Photo/hivisasa.com]