Tinderet MP Julius Melly has ramped up his bid to succeed Governor Stephen Sang in Nandi by moving to consolidate support in his backyard.
The three-term lawmaker has sought blessings and prayers from his constituents, saying has the required experience to steer the county to greater heights.
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Melly said he has a strong legislative and development record that makes him the best for the top county job.
He says he has a proven leadership which backs his ambition to replace Sang
“The people of Tinderet have elected me for three terms and I am grateful to them as I go for the governor seat with their blessings and prayers”, Melly said.
Melly has been chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Education for the last 10 years during which he says he had gained a lot of experience and knowledge on leadership.
"I am confident that the people of Nandi will give me a chance to serve them and if elected governor of Nandi in 2027, I will prioritise improved healthcare access for vulnerable families and make major reforms in ECDE," the MP said.
The 59-year-old is banking on his vast experience as a teacher, school principal, MP and chairman of Education committee to add on a vision that he says will drive transformation in Nandi.
Melly is particularly keen on education which he says is not just a social service but an investment in future workforce.
He says his decade-long involvement steering parliamentary affairs on education has given him deeper understanding of challenges facing learners, teachers and institutions.
He promises to focus on strengthening Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) by improving teacher welfare, better learning infrastructure, standardised systems because he says ECDE is the foundation of education.
Healthcare is another key sector in is vision and he has pledged to introduce a medical cover program for less fortunate households in Nandi.
“We have to take more bold measures and reforms to ensure the people of Nandi will acess quality healthcare. We must have modern facilities and motivated staff to achive that”, he said.
Many residents who support his bid argue that Melly is a soft spoken but self made, firm, accessible and visionary leader who has maintained strong grassroot networks.
“He is my MP and many of us can attest that his leadership has been very impactful especially through the guidance he has been applying to have our CDF kitty benefit the constituency”, said a resident Paul Bitok.
With 13 years experience as MP surviving the 2022 UDA wave (he was the only MP in Nandi who survived nominations) shows he has strong grassroots support that been propelling him in leadership.
He is an ardent supporter of President Ruto whom he says deserves a second term in office due to what he describes as transformative development projects countrywide including in Nandi.
Melly who is aged 59 years has over the period developed strong networks in the entire county where analysts rank him as one of the leading aspirants likely to succeed Sang.
The real test will be during the UDA party primaries where Melly will face off with several other formidable aspirants who are also in the race to succeed Sang.
The other aspirants include Lawyer Allan Kosgey, Nandi Woman Rep Cynthia Muge who is aged 32 years and is a former MCA, Dr Zaccius Rop (Hokil Foundation), Engineer Anderson Serem, Businessman David Lagat and former governor Dr Cleophas Lagat.
Amalysts say the race will be mainly between Melly, Kosgey and Muge all of whom are criss crossing the county to mobilize support.
