Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has weighed in on the political debate in Uasin Gishu after backing Governor Jonathan Bii's bid for a second term. Speaking on Sunday, Murkomen said Bii had performed well and deserved another term in office.
The endorsement comes amid a growing split among allies of President William Ruto in the Rift Valley, where rival political camps have emerged ahead of next year's general election.
Murkomen joins a list of influential leaders who have publicly backed Bii's re-election in a county.
Among other senior leaders supporting Bii are Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
"Governor Bii is a good leader who is quiet and believes in uniting all people. He should be given time to complete the work he is doing," Murkomen said.
Murkomen said some of the challenges facing Bii had been inherited.
The CS also dismissed claims that he was positioning himself to become the region's political kingpin after President Ruto's tenure.
"We should all be focusing on supporting Ruto's re-election and not stirring local battles around here," he said.
At several political meetings in recent weeks, Sudi has openly acknowledged the existence of two rival camps in the region, saying he belongs to "Team A", which he described as being focused on development.
"There are those in the other team who are non-performers and cannot help anyone," Sudi said.
Political analysts say the Uasin Gishu governor's race is shaping up to be one of the county's most fiercely contested elections, with rival factions already positioning themselves ahead of the polls.
