Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi are in a fresh battle over securing the Baringo South parliamentary seat following the death of it's MP Grace Kipchoim last month.
According to Rift Valley leaders, the two leaders who have always been battling over the region's supremacy, are expected to join the campaign trail once the IEBC announces the dates for the by-elections.
On their part, Jubilee MPs are rooting for the late's son Dr Shadrack Kiprop to be nominated as Jubilee's candidate to replace his mother.
[caption caption="File image of Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi"]
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On the other hand, KANU's candidate Charles Kamuren, who came in second during the August 8 General Election, declared his intention to vie for the seat.
Elgeyo Marakwet MP Kangongo Bowen told that the late Kipchoim was a lioness and she gave birth to lions, therefore, it would be prudent for one of his sons to succeed her in order for them to complete the work she had started.
"A lion gives birth to a lion, we will come here, deputy president and make sure the work started by Kipchoim is completed by a young lion here-he will bring the work to completion," exclaimed Mr Bowen.
During her burial, last weekend, Dagorreti South MP John Kiarie urged the residents to make history by voting in one of the late's children, just as they did to elect Kipchoim without campaigning.
However, Amos Kempaka, who also vied for the Baringo South seat under ODM part in August 2017, noted that he is interested to make a second trial at the position on a possible Jubilee ticket.
Additionally, Political analysts exclaim that the by-election would be more than a contest between political parties but a battle between Moi and Ruto.
Herman Manyora stated that with the heated politics between the two, one would expect Baringo South constituency by-election to be a litmus test for the superiority contest.
[caption caption="File image of Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi"]
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