Nakuru recorded the second highest number of aspirants in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party with a total of 691 aspirants.

Among those registered for various party positions including the sitting elected leaders, public officers and businessmen.

A scrutiny of the list by Mtaa Wangu revealed that a significant number of county officers are among those eye different elective positions under the UDA ticket.

Nakuru County Secretary Samuel Mwaura leads the list of senior county officials listed in the aspirants list.

After being rumoured to be interested the Gilgil MP Martha Wangari’s seat it was finally confirmed after he was listed as one of the aspirants for the Gilgil parliamentary seat.

John Kihagi, the County Executive for Lands who once served as the Naivasha MP will be looking to reclaim his seat on a UDA ticket.

Elga Riaga, the County Executive for Sports who was appointed to the docket some five months ago has been listed among those aspiring for the Nakuru Town West parliamentary seat currently occupied by Mr Samuel Arama.

Ms Riaga will first have to battle it out with Michael Kiplagat the current Chief Officer Livestock for thre UDA party ticket before facing Mr Arama.

Zipporah Wangui the CECM for education is also seeking woman representative seat under the party.

She will however have to face her colleague at the county executive Ms Gladys Kamuren the Chief officer Gender, Inclusivity and Social Services for the ticket.

The CECM Agriculture, Leonard Bor is also looking to throw his hat in the ring for the Kuresoi North legislative position currently held by Mr Alfred Mutai.

According to Calvin Muga a governance expert, anyone with intentions to run for public office has the right to do so. However, it would be wrong if they start campaigns while still holding public office.

He however points out that the officers will have to step down from their positions, six months to the general elections to start their campaigns,”

“The first reason that comes to mind is because they might be feeling the need to some the people in a much greater capacity and we are not saying that the leadership has not done what is expected however, maybe in their view that is the case and there one may not want to be part of the regime,” he says.

Calvin says that this may be a tactic they may be employing to save face especially factors such as unpopularity of the present regime.

“The uncertainty about the outcome of the 2027 gubernatorial race in Nakuru County is compelling them to seek greener pastures. In politics what is permanent are interests and nothing else,” he says.

Gikaria, Keroche, Kuria among big names missing in the Nakuru UDA party aspirants list

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Bret Sanya