Candidates eyeing the Baringo Senate seat have been traversing the vast region to endear themselves to voters as they await the declaration of a by-election once the electoral agency is in place.

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) enjoys overwhelming support in the region, having swept almost all the seats in the 2022 elections. However, analysts have warned that the outcome of the by-election will be determined by how the party handle its primaries.

“UDA enjoys a huge support here, but it should ensure its primaries will be free and fair. Any malpractice will spark revolts which will benefit their opponents, including Kanu a lot,” said Richard Chepchomei from Baringo North Constituency.

Some candidates have already warned that the process should be left to the people of Baringo to decide, expressing fears that “some external forces were out to influence the outcome of the primaries”.

Claims are also rife that UDA may not hold nominations but reach a consensus on one candidate, something that is causing jitters among aspirants.

“It is the president who will have the final say on the UDA candidate in Baringo County. Because of political interests, Ruto knows that Gideon Moi may also vie and wants UDA to have a strong candidate to face the Kanu chairman,” said a UDA candidate familiar with the behind-the-scenes political intrigues.

Aspirants eyeing UDA ticket include: Wycliffe Kipsang Tobole, Silas Tochim, Isaiah Kirukmet, Victor Sumukwo ‘Chepkunur’, Linus Kamket, Vincent Chemitei, Daniel Kiptoo and Evans Bett Mundulel.

Former Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui is also said to be eyeing the UDA ticket, but he is yet to declare this publicly. He is among the candidates who have demanded that UDA hold free and fair primaries.

Also said to be eyeing the seat is Gilbert Malema who has been a vocal blogger of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

It’s yet be known which party Malema, who has been a harsh critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, will vie for.

He unsuccessfully vied for Baringo North parliamentary seat in 2022. Joseph Makilap of UDA clinched the seat.

The race has been left open after former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo’s widow, Hanna Wendot, was appointed Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage CS.