Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Former Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer /HANDOUT


Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago is facing a tough re-election battle in next year’s polls, with rivals already laying the groundwork for the contest.
Mandago served the maximum two five-year terms as the region's first governor between 2013 and 2022 before switching to the Senate seat, which he easily won in 2022.

“When elections come, the great people of Uasin Gishu will decide," Mandago said.

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Although his supporters insist Mandago has become influential and is future kingpin of the Kalenjin community, his rivals believe he is politically beatable.

Among those angling for Mandago's seat is former county assembly speaker Isaac Terer who has already hit the ground running in preparation for next year's UDA party nominations.

“I have a clear plan, vision and will to serve the people of Uasin Gishu more efficiently and effectively than has been the case under Mandago,” Terer said.

The lawyer faulted Mandago for failing in most of his roles, hence the need for the people of Uasin Gishu to get a new senator.

Terer said Mandago has failed to serve as a unifying leader for all communities in the largely cosmopolitan county.

“We have had weak or no oversight on development programmes in Uasin Gishu. As senator, he should have worked on enhancing public participation and involvement of all communities in all affairs in the region," Terer said.

Terer has promised to make the Senate office in Uasin Gishu more visible and active with offices at both the subcounty and ward level. The aim is to allow residents to easily work with their senator to track development activities.

Mandago, who chairs the Senate health committee, has been vocal on the development of healthcare, which is the largest devolved function, but Terer says little has been done on legislation to strengthen devolution.

“There should have been a deliberate effort to push for more funding for Uasin Gishu after Eldoret was elevated to a city status,” Terer said.
Mandago is also credited with launching mega projects in the county during his tenure as governor but most the projects remain incomplete due to lack of funding. Such projects include the Level 4 hospitals at Ziwa, Kesses, Moiben and Turbo.
The senator also initiated major road projects and helped to develop sports projects including the incomplete 64 Stadium and Chagaiya High Altitude training camp.
Critics says Mandago has largely focused on politics and downgraded his role as a senator.
Resident Jane Too says Mandago had largely focus on national politics and pushing to be recognised as a possible kingpin for the region after President William Ruto.
Terer describes himself as a self-made politician and leader and has plans to focus on ensuring inclusivity.
He promised to focus on vulnerable groups like widows, the old and people living with disabilities.
Others in the race to unseat Mandago are businessman Victor Chepkelat and Kipchumba Isaac Nyongiot, popularly known as the Tuk-Tuk candidate.