CS Charles Keter endorses Aaron Cheruiyot for Kericho Senatorial seat

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has voiced his support for the Kericho Senatorial seat Jubilee Party nominee Aaron Cheruiyot ahead of the by-elections slated for March 7th, 2016.

Keter, who is the immediate former Kericho Senator, said it is important that the seat goes back to Jubilee Party as a way of appreciation to the government over his appointment into Cabinet last month.

Speaking at Sitotwet AIC in Ainamoi Constituency on Sunday, the Energy CS said he will launch campaigns in support of the 29-year-old to ensure he clinches the seat in the forthcoming by-elections.

Keter, a close ally to Deputy President William Ruto, took over the docket that was previously held by Davis Chirchir who was suspended over allegations of corruption, having been named in the infamous ‘list of shame’ released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in March last year.

Though he was later cleared of the allegations, Chirchir, together with four other suspended ministers; Charity Ngilu (Lands), Michael Kamau (Transport), Felix Koskei (Agriculture) and Kazungu Kambi (Labour) were overlooked in the new-look Cabinet.

Cheruiyot was nominated as the Jubilee Party flag bearer in the forthcoming by-election beating veteran politicians including former Roads Cabinet Secretary Franklin Bett, former ODM Executive Director Magerer Lagat and former National Housing Corporation chair Sammy Chepkwony.

Cheruiyot garnered 17,565 votes ahead of former National Housing Cooperation chair Sammy Chepkwony who came second with 17,081 votes while former Roads Minister Franklin Bett was third with 16,914 votes.

Former ODM Executive Director Magerer Lagat had 14,059 votes, Chemelil Sugar Board member Joel Kirui got 2,152 while former Kericho governor’s political advisor Festus Kirui got 1,312 votes.

The Jubilee aspirant will battle it out with KANU’s Paul Sang, Bishop Daniel Tanui of National Vision Party and Ngeno Lessan of Maendeleo Party of Kenya.

By Kimutai Kering