For a long time, Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has been the undisputed king of Rift Valley politics. However, the August General Election could be the greatest test of his political career and a chance for him to assert his dominance.
Kenyans.co.ke has compiled a list of political battles in his Rift Valley stronghold that could make or break the career of the seasoned self-made politician.
Bomet
Although the face off will be between the incumbent Governor Isaac Rutto and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Joyce Laboso of the Jubilee Party, many analysts opine it could be a personal battle between the former Chepalungu MP and the DP.
The Governor has on several occasions differed with Ruto and publicly declared that he was opposed to his kind of politics.
DP Ruto, on the other hand, has been seen openly campaigning for the National Assembly Deputy Speaker and her win could be pivotal in reassuring his dominance in the vote-rich Rift Valley region.
[caption caption="Joyce Laboso and Isaac Rutto"]
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A stiff competition is expected between Jubilee's Governor Jackson Mandago and popular businessman Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki who is running as an independent candidate.
After ignoring Ruto's call to step down, a win for Buzeki will be a clear indication of Ruto's declining influence.
[caption caption="Jackson Mandago and popular businessman Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki "]
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Baringo Senator and KANU Party Chairman Gideon Moi has declared an interest in the presidency, a seat that the DP is also interested in.
The two are currently engaged in a war of words with each seeking to assert their political dominance.
Should Moi win against the Jubilee candidate Simon Chelugui, he will have set the stage to give the DP a challenge of his lifetime.
[caption caption="Simon Chelugui and Senator Gideon Moi"]
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A recent rally in Elgeyo Marakwet left no doubt that Jubilee candidates are facing challenges in Elgeyo Marakwet.
The crowd heckled the Jubilee gubernatorial candidate Alex Tolgos forcing him to cut short his speech and hand over to independent candidate Moses Changwony.
In the Senate Race, former Inspector General (IG) of Police David Kimaiyo of KANU is giving the incumbent and close confidant of the DP, Kipchumba Murkomen, the race of his life.
Kimaiyo winning the race will be a blow to William Ruto as he seeks to position himself for the presidency in 2022.
[caption caption="Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and Moses Changwony"]
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In the governorship race, John Lonyangapuo of KANU is the man to beat. The man likely to beat him is Jubilee's Simon Kachapin.
The race is not just between the two but between their respective parties and party leaders who are keen on expanding their support in readiness for 2022 presidential race. Both the DP and KANU party leader Moi have declared an interest in the seat.
[caption caption="John Lonyangapuo Senator and Simon Kachapin"]
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