When his opponents are rolling out flamboyant campaigns, a governorship candidate in Uasin Gishu County has been campaigning using a bicycle.  

Solomon Maritim alias Kiptarbei wakes up early every day to traverse the vast county selling his political agenda. 

In an interview with People Daily yesterday, Maritim, 35, who goes by the name ‘Gavana wa Baiskeli’ expressed optimism that he would clinch the seat. 

“I’m happy with the reception of the people so far. My main areas of focus will be agriculture, beef farming, roads and health,” he said.

 According to Maritim,  Uasin-Gishu has a lot of potential in agriculture but farmers are grappling with many challenges, including poor maize prices and lack of subsidised fertiliser. 

“I know I’m fighting with political heavyweights but God will open the way for me,” said Maritim who is seeking the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. 

He expressed optimism that UDA primaries would be free and fair.  

“We will accept the will of the people. Let the one who will win do so genuinely,” said the father of two.

 Born in Huruma in Uasin-Gishu County, Maritim went to Tuiyobei Primary School in Uasin-Gishu County before proceeding to Moi University for a degree course in Business Management. 

He will battle it out for a UDA ticket with Uasin-Gishu County politician Jonathan Bii, former Kenyan ambassador to China Sarah Serem and Nairobi Environment County Executive Vesca Kangogo. 

Others include prominent businessman David Lagat, alias DL, and former Kenya envoy to Pakistan Julius Bitok. 

The candidate who will clinch the UDA ticket will face off with business mogul Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich alias Buzeki, who came second to incumbent Jackson Mandago in 2017 as an independent candidate.

Mandago has since declared that he will vie for the senate seat held by Prof Margaret Kamar. 

Uasin-Gishu County has more than 400,000 registered voters from six constituencies: Kesses, Turbo, Ainabkoi, Kapseret, Soy and Moiben.