24-year-old UDA aspirant to cycle from Cherengany to Nairobi for party meeting
By Duncan Wanga, January 29, 2026A 24-year-old United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant from Cherangany, Chebororwa village in Trans Nzoia County, has embarked on a long and determined bicycle journey to Nairobi to attend a party meeting for aspirants scheduled for February 4, 2026.
Nehemiah Kipkirui Rotich began his trip on Thursday, January 29, 2026, morning, armed with packed ugali and sukuma in a sufuria and riding his well-known black “Mamba” bicycle, determined to beat the deadline for the crucial meeting.
“I had no fare to use public transport, but I was not going to miss this opportunity,” Rotich said.
“This bicycle is the only means I have, and I believe determination is more important than comfort.”
Rotich’s political ambition
Rotich said his political ambition was reignited after a friend informed him about the UDA aspirant registration advertisement.
“He knows I have always wanted to be a leader since secondary school. When he told me about the registration, I struggled but managed to raise the Ksh2,000 fee,” he explained.
“Shortly after paying, I received an SMS invitation to attend the meeting in Nairobi.”
The young aspirant said his desire to lead was shaped by the hardships he endured growing up in poverty.
“I come from a very poor background. At some point in my life, I even slept on the streets,” Rotich revealed.
“Those experiences gave me a strong desire to help people who are suffering the way I did.”
He added that the lack of financial facilitation forced him to rely on his bicycle.
“If I had money, I would use a bus, but I don’t. This is the only option I have to reach Nairobi,” he said.
Inspired by Ruto
Rotich said he draws inspiration from President William Ruto’s leadership journey and youth-focused programmes.
“The president has shown that someone from a humble background can rise to lead,” he said.
“His affordable housing project and the Nyota programme for youth businesses motivate me to believe change is possible.”
Rotich intends to vie for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in his area, saying youth leadership would inspire many young people.
“If elected at my age, it will encourage the youth to believe they can also lead and make a difference,” he noted.
After cycling over 100 kilometres, Rotich reached Eldoret and plans to cover about 70 kilometres daily.
“When night falls, I will seek help from friends along the way to rest before continuing the journey the next day,” he said.
He expects to arrive in Nairobi on February 3 to rest ahead of the February 4 meeting.
Despite it being his first time travelling far from his village, Rotich remains optimistic.
“I don’t expect many challenges. A bicycle is easy to manoeuvre, even on rough roads,” he said.
At just 24, Rotich is confident of winning the seat in the future.
“I believe I can represent my people and help vulnerable families in my village,” he said.
UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting
UDA has announced that the Aspirants’ Forum meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m., at State House, Nairobi.
Aspirants attending the meeting will be required to carry their National Identity Cards for verification purposes.
“All duly registered Aspirants are invited to attend the UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, at 8.00 a.m., at State House, Nairobi, and are required to carry their National Identity cards for verification purposes,” UDA said in a notice issued on Thursday, January 29, 2026.