Former West Pokot governor John Lonyangapuo is among politicians positioning themselves to challenge Governor Simon Kachapin in the 2027 election.
Lonyangapuo, who served as governor from 2017 to 2022 before losing the seat to Kachapin, has intensified his campaigns across the county.
The former governor says his return is driven by a desire to complete projects he initiated during his first term and address what he considers shortcomings in the running of the county.
“My vision is to complete the projects I initiated in West Pokot and also streamline many issues and programmes that are not going well in our county,” Lonyangapuo said.
He recently launched his bid, promising to complete his development agenda and tackle corruption, which he claims has affected the implementation of programmes.
His supporters believe his previous record could help propel him back to the governor’s office.
“He initiated many good projects which stalled and were abandoned and we hope he will come back to finish up the work he did,” resident Paul Yaton said.
Lonyangapuo is also a close ally of President William Ruto and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, with political pressure mounting on him to seek the governor’s seat on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.
But his comeback bid faces competition from two other politicians who have already positioned themselves for the race.
Former West Pokot senator and former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio has declared his interest in succeeding Kachapin.
Poghisio is banking on his experience in national politics to strengthen his bid. He has been building networks across the county and is expected to intensify his campaigns.
Pokot South MP David Pkosing is the other major contender to have declared interest in the governor’s seat.
Pkosing announced his bid several months ago and has since made inroads in different parts of the county.
The emerging race pits three politicians with different political backgrounds against one another, with Lonyangapuo seeking a comeback, Poghisio relying on his national political experience and Pkosing building on his networks in the county.
The contest, however, is still open, with more aspirants expected to join the race.
For Kachapin, the growing political contest comes as he races to complete projects initiated by his administration before the end of his term.
The governor has maintained that his administration has transformed the county, particularly in healthcare, education and water provision.
His administration's record is likely to feature prominently in the political contest as challengers seek to convince voters that they can offer a different direction for West Pokot.
With three leading contenders already mobilising, the West Pokot governor’s race is emerging as a contest over competing claims on development, experience and political influence.
