NASA leaders at the 64 Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, July 26, 2017. [Photo| Nasa coalition]It has always been perceived that Uasin Gishu County is a support base of Deputy President William Ruto, the Jubilee deputy party leader.According to the 2013 vote numbers, Ruto a his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, collected a good number of votes from the North Rift county, possibly because it is Ruto's home ground.However, things seem to be changing this time round, after Jubilee Party rivals, the National Super Alliance (Nasa), did the unexpected, when they toured the county, for campaigns, Wednesday July 26.First, Nasa co-principal Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto is DP Ruto's closest political rival, with both fighting for the Rift Valley popularity.Nasa, led by Ruto, presidential candidate Raila Odinga, his deputy Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi, unanimously endorsed Jubilee Party Uasin Gishu gubernatorial candidate, incumbent Jackso Mandago, during a rally at Eldoret's 64 Stadium, Wednesday.
Thousands of residents who had showed up for the rally were surprised by the move, given that it is not easy for the Opposition to support an opponent.
"If I was a voter here, my vote would go to Jackson Mandago," said Kalonzo, who is the Wiper party leader.Ruto had started the declaration, saying Mandago's rival, businessman Bundotich Buzeki, was a project of DP Ruto, to spoil Mandago's votes, so that he is defeated.
"We know they are trying to impose leaders on you, just like how they are doing in Bomet. Vote for Jackson Mandago," said the Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader.
"Nasa Buzeki! Nasa Buzeki!" added Mudavadi, who echoed Ruto and Kalonzo's sentiments.Raila and Wetangula were not left behind, they as well declared their full support for Mandago, who is seeking re-election in the August 8 polls.
However, critics say this was a clear strategy for Nasa, to divide Uasin Gishu votes, from Jubilee.Possibly, Mandago supporters would now think twice before voting for President Kenyatta, to give him a second term, if they saw that Nasa loves Mandago, and were ready to work with him, if Raila is elected the president.At the same time, it is a mileage to Isaac Ruto, since he would be loved in the county, reducing DP Ruto's popularity.