Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has publicly called for a ceasefire in a deepening political rift within Uasin Gishu County, urging Kesses MP Julius Rutto and Soy MP David Kiplagat to end their protracted feud with Governor Jonathan Bii. Speaking at a function in Eldoret on Monday, 17th November 2025, Governor Sang warned that the persistent infighting among the leaders is jeopardizing regional development and undermining political unity in a key bastion of the ruling coalition.

"The time for politics will come, but in this five-year term, let us prioritise development and support each other," Governor Sang stated, directly addressing the legislators. "The governor needs support from the MPs and vice versa. So to my brothers DK and Rutto, let us please stop these wars." His intervention highlights growing concern among North Rift leaders that the discord could destabilize the county's governance and negatively impact constituents.

Roots of the Conflict

The political turmoil in Uasin Gishu, which has been simmering for months, revolves around accusations of poor governance, stalled projects, and financial mismanagement leveled against Governor Bii's administration. The conflict escalated on Monday when Soy MP David Kiplagat criticized the governor's management of Social Health Authority (SHA) funds, demanding that the money be channeled directly to healthcare facilities to prevent delays and improve services.

This specific grievance adds to a list of unresolved issues plaguing the county leadership. Governor Bii's administration has been under intense scrutiny over the controversial Finland education scholarship program, which saw a Nakuru High Court issue a warrant for his arrest in September 2024 after he failed to appear to testify in the Sh1.1 billion scandal. The program, which left many families in financial ruin after funds allegedly vanished, remains a significant point of public anger and a potent political weapon for the governor's critics.

Furthermore, the Senate's County Public Accounts Committee has raised red flags over the slow progress of flagship projects initiated under the previous administration, including the KSh1.1 billion 64 Stadium and the Ziwa Level Five Hospital. During a session in May 2025, the committee, led by Senator Moses Kajwang, questioned the value for money and transparency of Governor Bii's government, calling for investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Governor Bii defended his administration, citing budgetary constraints as a major impediment to completing the projects.

Political Maneuvering and 2027 Alignments

The leadership battle is widely seen as early posturing for the 2027 general election. Soy MP David Kiplagat has previously accused the governor's office of hiring social media bloggers to discredit elected leaders who are perceived as potential challengers. "This has been going on for three months, and it's all in the name of 2027 politics, which is five years away," Kiplagat stated in a social media post in early 2023.

The situation is complicated by the involvement of other influential regional power brokers. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has publicly thrown his weight behind Governor Bii, daring MPs Rutto and Kiplagat to a political contest and vowing to defend the governor against any opposition. "I will continue supporting Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, and nothing will change that," Sudi declared in a public address on 1st November 2025, signaling a significant rift among the county's parliamentarians. The stance of other key leaders, such as Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, remains less public, though her influence is a critical factor in the county's political matrix.

Implications for Kenya's 'Breadbasket'

The persistent political wrangling in President William Ruto's home county carries significant implications. As a crucial political and economic hub in the North Rift, prolonged instability in Uasin Gishu could have ripple effects across the region. Governor Sang's intervention underscores the desire to present a united front and focus on the Kenya Kwanza administration's development agenda, particularly with the President's backing.

The public disputes risk overshadowing governance achievements and eroding public trust. With Uasin Gishu already ranking poorly in a 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) for bribe payments, the ongoing leadership battles could further damage the county's reputation and hinder its development trajectory. As leaders are called to prioritize service delivery over political ambition, the residents of Uasin Gishu await to see if this public mediation will yield peace or is merely a temporary truce in a long-term political war.