The Saboti MP seat in Trans Nzoia is shaping up into a five-horse race with big names lined up to battle out with the incumbent, Caleb Amisi.
The seat, which is the most coveted in the region, has been held by political kingpins who include Wafula Wabuge, Fred Gumo and former Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana.
Others are Davies Nakitare, Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, David Wafula and, now, Amisi.
The incumbent has said he is confident the electorate will re-elect him.
Amisi was recently picked through consensus to fly the ODM ticket after his only rival, Eric Simatwa, agreed to back him during a meeting called by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Amisi was elected on an ODM ticket in 2017 and is serving his first term.
The legislator told the Star, despite the challenge, he was ready to face his opponents and recapture the seat.
"I got so many votes from across the political divide because of my promise to the youths and women of Saboti who had been neglected, despite big names having been in leadership," he said.
The first time MP is banking on the support of Azimio La Umoja presidential flagbearer Raila to defeat his opponents.
Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA has picked Tuwan MCA Bernard Wambwa to battle it out with Amisi and others.
The nomination of Wambwa is expected to give the incumbent and other political bigwigs a run for their money considering that the DP is determined to use all means to bag the Saboti seat.
Also eyeing the seat, on Jubilee ticket, is Trans Nzoia Senator Michael Mbito.
Mbito comes from the Sabaot community which feels betrayed after one of their sons, David kipkorir Kapoloman, was replaced as a running mate to Ford Kenya secretary general Chris Wamalwa.
Wamalwa is eyeing the Trans Nzoia governor seat.
Former MP David Wafula alias Lazaro will be battling for the nominations slot on Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K party with former detective, William Zachary Nangulu.
Wafula told the Star that signs of his comeback were evident judging from his past contributions.
He said his disbursement of bursaries to children from slum dwellings of Tuwan, Mitume, Matisi, Shanti, and Kipsongok will give him an upper hand.
"Voters are very clever people who know what we did while in office and they will be judging between us and those currently in office," he said.
Another aspirant who has declared an interest in the seat is former university lecturer Joseph Pepela.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
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