Political newcomers scoop County Assembly seats in Kericho

 After voters decided to remove the majority of incumbents, county assemblies in the South and Central Rift will have a large number of newcomers.

The majority of MCAs elected in 2017 were ejected, with those serving as Majority and Minority Leaders bearing the brunt of the political fallout.

The Kericho County Assembly’s self-styled “big nine” ward representative survived the electorate’s wrath to win second and even third terms in office. The “big nine” are the MCAs who held senior positions in the county Assembly’s leadership and committees.

Chilchila MCA Hezron Kipngeno, who is also the Majority Leader, is at the top of the list. Albert Kipkoech (Soliat/Finance Committee Chair), Cheruiyot Bett (Ainamoi/Education Committee Chair), Paul Chirchir (Kapsoit/Roads Chairmain), Phillip Rono (Kamasian/Water Committee), Erick Bett (Kipkechrbor), Erick Bii (Kaplel Artet), Anthony Ruto (Kipkelion), and Aaron Rotich (Cheptoriet

Francis Terer, who previously served in the first assembly (2013-17), defeated Evans Kibet in the Tuesday election.

Despite the fact that all nine MCAs were re-elected, Anita Biegon was elected to the Chemosot ward in the Bureti constituency, making her the only female MCA. “My sole responsibility will now be to devote all of my efforts to leading Chemosot ward to prosperity for all,” she explained.

Dr Naaman Rop, a former University of Kabianga (UoK) lecturer who won the Soin ward seat after withdrawing his earlier bid for the Soin/Sigowet parliamentary seat, will also be in the county assembly.

“Despite its high economic potential, Soin Ward has lagged behind Kericho’s other 30 wards.” “I believe the residents of the area have finally elected the right leader with the intellect and ideas to change the situation this time,” he said.