Political temperatures in Uasin Gishu County are rising once again as the long-standing rivalry between businessman Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich, popularly known as Buzeki, and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago continues to cast a shadow over the region's leadership. With the 2027 general elections approaching, old political wounds, shifting alliances, and unresolved controversies are setting the stage for a major showdown in the North Rift.
A Rivalry Rooted in Fierce Contests
The political friction between Buzeki and Mandago is not new to residents of Uasin Gishu. Their rivalry dates back to the 2017 general election, where the two faced off in a bruising battle for the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat. After losing to Mandago in the Jubilee Party primaries, where Mandago garnered 126,681 votes against Buzeki’s 82,869 Buzeki opted to run as an independent candidate. Although Mandago retained the seat in the general election with 193,604 votes to Buzeki's 148,121 the contest deeply polarized the county and established Buzeki as Mandago's fiercest political critic.
In 2022, the two clashed again over the direction of the county. While Buzeki made a second bid for the governorship, Mandago transitioned to the Senate after completing his two constitutional terms as governor. Throughout that campaign, Buzeki accused Mandago of attempting to "remote-control" Uasin Gishu County's leadership, while Mandago dismissed Buzeki's brand of politics. Mandago went on to win the Senate seat with 252,800 votes, while Buzeki conceded defeat in the gubernatorial race to Governor Jonathan Bii.
Why Trouble Is Brewing Ahead of 2027
As political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 polls, several factors are fueling fresh tension around Mandago's political future and opening the door for rivals like Buzeki to capitalize on the unrest:
Fractured Uasin Gishu Leadership: The political house in Uasin Gishu is visibly divided. Senator Jackson Mandago and incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii have been locked in a bitter public spat over county projects and loyalty, splitting local leaders into two rival camps. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has allied with Governor Bii and publicly criticized Mandago's political record, weakening the unified front Mandago once enjoyed.
The Finland and Canada Scholarship Scandal: Mandago continues to face intense legal and political scrutiny over the KSh 1.1 billion Finland and Canada Overseas Education Programme scandal, which dates back to his tenure as governor. Facing charges alongside co-accused officials over allegations of conspiring to steal funds meant for students' overseas tuition and accommodation, the matter remains a major talking point that rivals are eager to use against him.
A Crowded Field of Challengers: Because of these internal rifts and ongoing controversies, political rivals view Senator Mandago as vulnerable heading into 2027. According to The Star (September 18, 2026), aspirants such as former county assembly speaker Isaac Terer have already begun laying the groundwork to unseat Mandago. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race is also heating up, with Siasa Compass noting that Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and chamber of commerce chair Willy Kenei have declared their bids to challenge Governor Bii.
What This Means for Buzeki and Uasin Gishu Voters
For Buzeki, who has consistently styled himself as a development-focused, independent-minded leader, the current political cracks in Uasin Gishu present a critical moment. Whenever Mandago’s political camp faces turbulence, Buzeki’s past warnings about accountability and county management gain renewed attention among voters.
Whether Buzeki chooses to re-enter the fray directly or align with emerging anti-Mandago forces, one thing is clear: the battle for the soul of Uasin Gishu politics is far from over. With alliances shifting and heavyweights turning against each other, serious political trouble is indeed brewing in the County of Champions.
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