Wario Seeks UDA Ticket in Kipkenyo, Calls for Fair 2027 Party Nominations
He added that his leadership agenda would focus on delivering tangible development projects rather than political rhetoric.
Kipkaren-Kipkenyo MCA aspirant Ibrahim Wario Walake speaks to the media during a community engagement meeting. Photo: Hubz Media.
By Robert Mutasi
The race toward Kenya’s 2027 General Election is beginning to gather momentum in Uasin Gishu County, with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders urging inclusivity within the ruling party while appealing for transparent party nominations ahead of the polls.
The calls were made during a meeting in Eldoret attended by representatives of several minority communities from Kipkenyo Ward, where UDA officials welcomed Ibrahim Wario, an aspiring Member of the County Assembly (MCA), and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to opening its doors to all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The gathering also highlighted growing political activity ahead of UDA nominations, with speakers emphasizing peaceful competition, credible elections and grassroots democracy as the country gradually shifts its attention toward the 2027 electoral contest.
Abraham Kipchumba Bitok, County Administrator for Uasin Gishu County and North Rift regional administrator, welcomed delegations representing Muslim, Kikuyu, Luo and Luhya communities from Kipkenyo Ward.
Bitok described UDA as a national political party that embraces diversity and encourages qualified candidates from every community to seek elective office through its nomination process.
He said positions including Member of the County Assembly, Member of Parliament, senator and governor remain open to all interested aspirants, provided they meet the party’s nomination requirements.
“Our party welcomes everyone,” Bitok said, encouraging supporters to participate actively in the democratic process.
He also sought to reassure supporters about Kenya’s electoral process, expressing confidence that future elections would be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
Bitok told residents that every vote would count and urged Kenyans to have confidence in the country’s democratic institutions instead of fearing electoral malpractice.
The meeting served as the official introduction of Ibrahim Wario, who is seeking the UDA nomination for MCA for Kipkenyo Ward ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Addressing supporters, Wario said he chose to contest on the UDA ticket because he believes in the party’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which he said aligns with his development priorities for residents of Kipkenyo Ward.
He pledged to prioritize improvements in road infrastructure, schools and other essential public amenities should he secure both the party nomination and eventual election.
“My vision is consistent with the Bottom-Up economic model because it focuses on improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” Wario said.
He added that his leadership agenda would focus on delivering tangible development projects rather than political rhetoric.
However, Wario used the occasion to make a direct appeal to UDA officials overseeing the nomination process.
He urged party leaders to conduct transparent and credible nominations by issuing certificates only to candidates who genuinely win grassroots contests.
According to Wario, credible nominations would strengthen confidence in the party while minimizing disputes and violence that have occasionally accompanied party primaries in previous election cycles.
He said fairness during nominations would allow party members to remain united ahead of the General Election.
Political analysts have consistently identified party primaries as one of the most contentious phases of Kenya’s electoral calendar, with disputes over nomination certificates often resulting in court cases, defections and independent candidacies.
Representatives from the Muslim community attending the meeting pledged their support for Wario’s bid, saying they believe he would provide effective representation for minority communities if elected MCA.
They thanked UDA officials for engaging communities traditionally underrepresented in elective politics and expressed optimism that greater inclusion would strengthen local leadership.
Community leaders also used the forum to praise infrastructure projects undertaken under President William Ruto, particularly road construction and expansion across different parts of the country.
Several speakers argued that the president deserves a second constitutional term, rejecting calls by some political opponents advocating for a single-term presidency.
Kenya’s Constitution limits presidents to a maximum of two five-year terms.
Before concluding the meeting, Bitok presented Wario with copies of the UDA party manifesto and nomination rules, saying the documents would help the aspirant understand procedures governing party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
The move underscored the party’s efforts to familiarize aspiring candidates with nomination regulations as political mobilization gathers pace across the country.
Bishop’s Food Donation Brings Relief to Nandi School
Away from the political developments, pupils at AIC Kaplamai Primary School in Kilibwoni Ward, Emgwen Constituency, received much-needed food assistance from AIC Nandi Bishop David Moses Serem in an initiative aimed at improving learner welfare and school attendance.
Speaking during the donation, Bishop Serem said he was moved to act after witnessing food shortages during a recent visit to the school.
He noted that proper nutrition remains essential for improving attendance, classroom concentration and academic performance, and appealed to well-wishers and development partners to support schools facing similar challenges.
The bishop has been involved in supporting struggling AIC-sponsored schools across Nandi County, including AIC Kipkombot Primary School in Mosop Constituency, where efforts to improve learning conditions have contributed to increased enrollment.
Head teacher Edward Chirchir said AIC Kaplamai continues to face challenges including inadequate water supply, insufficient sanitation facilities and aging classrooms that require renovation.
Deputy head teacher Eunice Cheruiyot said enrollment has declined over the past two decades. She attributed part of the decline to the collapse of the school’s feeding program after the introduction of free primary education under former President Mwai Kibaki, when many parents stopped contributing toward school meals.
She said some pupils walk more than three kilometers to school each day and often return home without lunch, affecting attendance and learning.
Board of Management Chairman Thomas Misoi praised the school’s feeding initiative, saying it has already helped improve attendance among learners.
School officials said AIC Kaplamai currently has about 70 pupils and appealed to government agencies, churches, private organizations and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding school feeding programs and creating a better learning environment for children.
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