Murkomen: Chemitei represents new political era
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 9, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hailed UDA candidate for the Baringo County senate race, Vincent Chemitei, as a representation of a new political era.
While speaking during a TikTok interview on The Mufasa Show on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged Chemitei’s rise that saw him clinch the UDA ticket, describing it as a reflection of modern-day politics and the growing determination of Gen Zs to take up leadership roles.
He went further to congratulate Chemitei for winning the Baringo senatorial UDA ticket, noting that he himself was elected to the Senate at a similar age, alongside then-Nandi Senator (now Governor) Stephen Sang, with Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot joining them later.
“Congratulations to Chemitei, ambaye ni candidate wa UDA. Alipigana kwanza kwa nomination, na sasa amepata tiketi ya kurun. Ukiona miaka ya Chemitei, utaona kwamba Gen Z wanataka nafasi yao kwa uongozi. Kama vile nilikuambia, niliingia Senate nikiwa mdogo. Senator Sang alikuwa mdogo sana siku hizo, alafu tukajoiniwa na Senator Aaron,” Murkomen said.
Clearance by IEBC
These come moments after Chemitei presented his nomination papers to the IEBC for clearance.
The exercise took place at the Kabarnet IEBC offices on Thursday, October 9, 2025, where he was given the green light by the electoral body to contest for the seat left vacant following the demise of area senator William Cheptumo.
This came after chaotic scenes in Kabarnet Town, where supporters of KANU party chairman Gideon Moi clashed with him, forcing him to seek an alternative route to the IEBC offices.
He later left Baringo aboard a chopper after the one he had used to land in the county was damaged and failed to take off.
Gideon Moi was also expected at the constituency office to present his nomination papers but failed to appear. His supporters, who had turned out in large numbers, waited in agony at the Kabarnet airstrip for him to land, but he was a no-show. The frustrated supporters eventually left the airstrip after hours of waiting.
This has led to widespread speculation that he has pulled out of the race.
This comes days after Vincent Chemitei dwarfed other contestants in the UDA party primaries. The development has led to a split among leaders from the county, with some leaning towards Chemitei while another faction supports Tabole, who came second in the primaries.