The battle to succeed the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo has started in earnest with at least 10 aspirants eyeing the seat.

The duel has been left open after President William Ruto appointed Hanna Wendot Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary.

Those seen to be the front runners include Wycliffe Tobole Kipsang, Silas Tochim,Gideon Moi, Isaiah Kirukmet and former Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui.

Also in the race are Victor Sumukwo Chepkunur Linus Kamket, Gilbert K Malema, Vincent Chemitei, Evans Bett Mundulel, Daniel Kiptoo, Felix Kiprono Chelaite, outspoken politician from Baringo North Reuben Chepsongol and Emanuel Ngetuny.

The youthful Tobole from Kuikui village in Baringo North is widely viewed as one of the favourites for consistency in campaigns.

A teacher by profession and alumni of Kenyatta University, Tobole is recognised for his leadership skills, as well as his ability to lobby and advocate for community interests.

Known for his eloquence, Tobole has been seen engaging in top media platforms, joining political figures and local leaders, working collaboratively to address various community concerns. He is eyeing the UDA ticket.

Though Chelugui has remained tight-lipped whether he will vie or not, he has been traversing the vast county calling for free and fair electoral process.

“As we wait for the seat to be declared vacant, let the people of Baringo choose their own leaders and decide their destiny. Why we fail sometimes is because our leaders are chosen outside Baringo County,” claimed Chelugui.

Gideon is also said to be eyeing the seat he lost to Cheptumo in 2022.

He is however yet to declare this publicly though he has been attending functions after being outside the political limelight for two years.

The Kanu chairman has dismissed calls by some Baringo leaders for him to work with President Ruto ‘for the sake of Kalenjin unity’.

Should the former Baringo Senator reenter Baringo County politics it will pose as a challenge to Dr Ruto who has been making inroads into the region as he seeks to bolster his presidential bid.

Some UDA leaders feel that the seat should go to someone from their party.

According to nominated MP Jackson Kosgei, there is need for a senator who will work closely with President Ruto to advance the county’s development agenda.

“The seat should remain in UDA. We need someone who will not lecture the president but help him understand and push for Baringo’s priorities nationally,” said Bishop Kosgei.

But this assertion has been dismissed by some aspirants, including outspoken Malema, arguing that any resident of Baringo is free to vie for the seat on any party’s ticket.

“In fact, UDA is dead in Baringo County. Those still claiming otherwise will be in for a rude shock,” Malema told People Daily.

Malema has been a vocal blogger of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and was bundled out of office with the latter. It’s yet be known which party Malema, who has been a harsh critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, will vie on. He unsuccessfully vied for Baringo North parliamentary seat in 2022. Joseph Makilap of UDA clinched the seat.

Chepkunur who was brought up in the lower parts of banditry-prone Bartabwa in Baringo North said he has been inspired to vie to agitate for the rights of victims of banditry.

Should he be elected, he has pledged to push for a Bill to ensure victims of banditry and insecurity are compensated by the state.

Chepkunur who is eyeing the UDA ticket, said that if elected he would ensure that the schools that have been vandalised by bandits are rebuilt.

Kirukmet who came second after Cheptumo during UDA primaries in 2022 is also considered another serious contestant.