The decision by Tinderet MP Julius Melly not to seek re-election has sparked a flurry of campaigns by dozens of aspirants aiming to succeed him.
Melly, who has served three consecutive terms as MP for Tinderet, is running for Nandi governor, paving the way for a new MP in the constituency.
Edward Barngetuny, a grandson of former nominated MP Ezekiel Barngetuny, is among those who have joined the race to succeed Melly.
His entry has generated excitement, given his family's historical influence in the area dating back to the era of President Daniel Moi.
“I am ready to work with the people of Tinderet and take our constituency to the next level from where Melly leaves off,” Barngetuny said.
Some residents, led by Benjamin Leting and clergy members, have thrown their support behind Barngetuny, saying he is best placed to serve the constituency.
Leting said Barngetuny, a businessman and investor in the coffee, livestock and sugar cane sectors, possesses a vision that will uplift residents, particularly the farming majority.
“We are confident Barngetuny has the capacity to move Tinderet forward after Melly,” he said.
Other candidates in the race include Peter Leley, a businessman who has been working with the National Police Service.
Others mentioned as prospective aspirants include Jonah Biwott, Walter Kipkemei and Shadrack Maritim.
UDA is the dominant party in the region and the contest for its ticket in the primaries early next year is expected to be fiercely contested.
Melly has sought blessings and prayers from his constituents as he ramps up his bid for the county's top seat.
He said he has gained the requisite experience, citing a strong legislative and development record that makes him the ideal candidate to become the next Nandi governor as Governor Stephen Sang completes his final term.
“The people of Tinderet have elected me for three terms and I am grateful to them as I seek the governorship with their blessings and prayers,” Melly said.
He has served as chairman of the National Assembly Education Committee for the past decade, a role he says has provided him with extensive leadership experience and insight.
"I am confident that the people of Nandi will give me the opportunity to serve them. If elected governor of Nandi in 2027, I will prioritise improved healthcare access for vulnerable families and drive major reforms in ECDE,” Melly told the Star.
The lawmaker is leveraging his vast background as a teacher, school principal, MP since 2013, and Education committee chairperson to support a vision he says will drive transformation across Nandi.
Melly is particularly focused on education, which he views not merely as a social service, but as an investment in the future workforce.
He said his decade-long role in steering parliamentary affairs on education has afforded him a deeper understanding of the challenges facing learners, teachers and institutions.
He aims to focus on strengthening Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) through improved teacher welfare, better learning infrastructure and standardised systems, noting that ECDE forms the foundation of learning.
Healthcare is another core pillar of his vision. He has pledged to introduce a medical insurance scheme for disadvantaged households across Nandi.
“We must take bolder measures and implement reforms to ensure the people of Nandi access quality healthcare. Modern facilities and motivated staff are essential to achieve that,” he said.
Many residents supporting his bid describe Melly as a soft-spoken yet self-made, firm, accessible and visionary leader who has maintained strong grassroots connections.
“He is my MP, and many of us can attest that his leadership has been deeply impactful, particularly through his stewardship of the CDF kitty to benefit the constituency,” resident Paul Bitok said.
