UDA remains the dominant party in the region, and most aspirants are now focused on securing the ruling party ticket, aware that winning the primaries could almost guarantee victory in the general election.
With the party nominations about eight months away, the aspirants have intensified campaigns across the county. They are criss-crossing villages, activating social media networks, organising sports events and engaging in charitable activities to win support from residents.
Former Governor Cleophas Lagat is seeking a political comeback after losing the seat to Sang 10 years ago. He has entered the race strongly, accusing powerful individuals of trying to impose a preferred candidate on the county.
“Nandi residents will elect a person of their choice to be governor. No one should tell us that they may intervene and control how residents vote,” Lagat said.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who hails from Nandi, is also viewed as an influential figure likely to shape local politics ahead of the polls.
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge has also emerged as a strong contender. Political analysts say her growing popularity could make her one of the frontrunners in the race.
Muge and lawyer Allan Kosgey are currently considered among the leading aspirants seeking to take over from Sang, who is serving his second and final term and is reportedly eyeing the Aldai parliamentary seat.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly is banking on his long political experience and strong networks, especially among teachers, to mount a formidable campaign.
Others seeking the seat include Dr Zaccius Rop, Engineer Anderson Serem and finance expert Antipas Tirop.
Rop, a newcomer to Nandi politics, has built his profile through aggressive use of social media platforms, where he engages residents in governance debates while presenting himself as a professional capable of transforming the county.
“If we want change, then Nandi needs new leadership from someone focused on delivering results,” he said.
Through the Hokil Foundation, Rop has supported thousands of students and invested in youth empowerment through digital training centres.
Muge has attracted support through her youthful appeal and strong public speaking skills. She has also organised sports events that have drawn large crowds, especially among young people.
Melly has repeatedly described himself as the best candidate to succeed Governor Sang.
The third-term MP has promised to transform Nandi through stronger development programmes and improved service delivery.
“The people of Nandi can count on me. My track record in Tinderet speaks for itself, and residents can audit my work as I seek county leadership,” Melly said.
Speaking at several community events across the county, Melly said his experience in Parliament had prepared him to lead the county government effectively.
Residents describe him as humble and approachable, qualities that have helped him build support beyond Tinderet constituency.
As chairman of the National Assembly Education Committee, Melly has championed education reforms, including textbook distribution, removal of examination fees and deployment of more teachers.
In Tinderet, he has focused on rural development projects, including roads, electrification and support for farmers. He has also overseen implementation of NG-CDF and Uwezo Fund programmes, including bursaries for needy students.
He recently convened stakeholders to review ongoing constituency projects and improve monitoring to ensure services reach residents faster.
“I believe the people of Nandi will give me a chance to serve them as governor because I have what it takes to make a difference in the county,” Melly said.
He has pledged to strengthen devolution in Nandi and ensure residents benefit fully from resources allocated to the county. He also promised to address long-standing issues such as land disputes involving squatters in parts of the county.
A Tinderet resident, Jane Maiyo, said residents had re-elected Melly three times because of his development record.
“We believe he can do even more for the people of Nandi if given a chance to serve as governor,” she said.
Tirop, meanwhile, is campaigning on prudent management of county resources, saying proper financial planning is key to development.
“Nandi now needs someone with the capacity to properly utilise available resources to transform the lives of residents, and I believe I have that ability,” said Tirop.
