Bitok Leads Uasin Gishu Race to Unseat Bii

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PS Julius Bitok has taken an early lead in the race to become the third governor of Uasin Gishu County months to the 2027 General Elections.

A poll Survey by Politrack Africa shows Bitok commanding 37.3 per cent ahead of incumbent governor Jonathan Bii.

Businessman and politician Zedekiah Buzeki Kiprop Bundotich is third with 18.7 per cent, while David Kemei Rotuk has 8.4 per cent.

Gideon Kipngetich Nyokosei follows with 5.9 per cent, while Willy Kenei has 2.0 per cent with 1.4 per cent of respondents still undecided.

The Politrack survey adds to a series of surveys that have consistently placed Bitok ahead of his potential rivals, raising his profile as one of the leading contenders for the Uasin Gishu governorship.

Bitok has previously expressed interest in the governor’s seat and is expected to make another attempt in 2027.

His latest showing suggests he is building significant support ahead of what could become a closely watched contest in the Rift Valley county.

A month ago, a poll by Swiss Poll indicated that the PS has a 40.4 per cent chance of support from the Rift Valley County against Buzeki’s 27.8 per cent and Bii’s 21.9 per cent.

Similarly, the July Politrack Africa survey released last month still put Bitok ahead with a 39.5 per cent, compared with 28.6 per cent for Bii and 17.8 per cent for Buzeki.

The consistency across the recent surveys is likely to intensify political activity in the county as aspirants position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

For Governor Bii, the latest numbers present an early challenge as he seeks to defend his seat after being elected in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

Bii will have to sell his administration’s record to voters while countering the growing popularity of Bitok and the challenge posed by Buzeki.

Development priorities are also likely to shape the contest. The county government is currently undertaking public participation for its 2027/2028 Annual Development Plan, with roads emerging among issues residents want addressed.

Despite trailing Bitok and Bii, Buzeki’s 18.7 per cent support gives him a sizeable base that could become important as the race develops.

Buzeki has remained vocal on economic and agricultural issues affecting Uasin Gishu even as he recently called for tax exemptions on electric-powered agricultural machinery and solar irrigation equipment, arguing that lowering production costs would support farmers and help reduce food prices.

The businessman has also been pushing for greater agricultural value addition and manufacturing in the county, calling for more locally produced agricultural goods to be processed within Uasin Gishu.