Governor Rutos ally Maritim floors JAP candidate in Nyongores Ward by elections

People’s Patriotic Party of Kenya (PPPK) candidate Andrew Maritim has emerged the winner of Nyongores Ward by-elections, flooring Jubilee Alliance Party’s (JAP) Richard Leitich.

Maritim garnered 4,988 votes, with Letich coming in second with 3,029. Benard Teter (CCP) got a paltry 15 votes.

Maritim, who is closely allied to Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, has also received support from KANU’s Gideon Moi and nominated Senator Zipporah Kittony.

The Bomet Governor skipped the 5th National and County Government Co-ordinating Summit that was convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Sagana State Lodge to campaign for Maritim.

Against the backdrop of Deputy President William Ruto’s extensive campaigns for JAP in the region, the thrashing by PPPK deals a major blow to party confidence in the region.

Governor Ruto has been vocal about his opposition to the merger of parties under the Jubilee Alliance umbrella, a position that is also held by KANU.

This stand has placed him on a collision path with the DP, a tension that has seen the two Rutos battle for supremacy in the voter-rich Rift Valley.

The stage is now set for an even greater test of strength as campaigns for Kericho County Senate by-election, slated for March 7, heat up.