Five declare interest in Elgeyo Marakwet Speaker’s position
![Five declare interest in Elgeyo Marakwet Speaker’s position](https://peopledaily.digital/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Elgeyo-Marakwet-County-Assembly-768x528.jpg)
The battle for Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly Speaker’s seat has intensified with at least five candidates declaring their interest.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of the incumbent Philemon Sabulei after serving for seven years.
Sabulei is joining the Ministry of Interior headed by former area Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
Among those who have expressed an interest to succeed Sabulei include Metkei ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Lawi Kibire, businessman Kimutai Murgor, Gladys Jeruto,former County Executive Member Kiprono Chepkok and Bob Kipkorir.
People Daily established that the candidates have hit the ground running in their last ditch to convince the MCAs who will have the final say to support their bids.
Kibire said he had got all it takes to be the County Assembly’s second Speaker due to his proven development track record in his ward.
“My track record speaks for itself. I’ve initiated several development projects which are of priority to the people at the grassroots ranging from water,health and education. People are happy with the progress I’ve made in transforming Metkei ward,” said Kibire.
Marakwet-Keiyo politics is expected to play out in the speaker’s race noting that the seat was held by Keiyo. Sabulei is from the Keiyo community and the community feel the seat is a preserve for them.
The Keiyo have in the past complained that their Marakwet counterparts have sidelined them in leadership by sweeping all the influential seats.
Elgeyo Marakwet county is occupied by the Keiyo and Marakwet communities. It is not yet clear which role Sabulei, a lawyer by profession will be taking up at the Interior Ministry.