Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has launched a scathing attack on area Senator Jackson Mandago, accusing him of running a parallel county administration in the region.
Mandago has dismissed the claims as childish and declined to be drawn into a war of words with Bii.
The governor accused Mandago of going politically wild and making every effort to undermine him, directly and through proxies.
“Mandago is now running a parallel government. He has his people he employs, including directors and those in the enforcement unit. He meets them at night to plot against us,” he said.
Bii made the remarks at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital, where he had gone to launch the hospital’s 2026-2031 strategic plan.
Bii claimed that Mandago, who was governor between 2013 and 2022, had been holding private night meetings at his residence with senior county directors and enforcement officers he appointed.
“They are frustrating my administration by targeting traders, boda boda operators and businesses in Eldoret, destroying goods and beating traders. They keep on plotting against us. But why?” Bii asked.
The county boss claimed Mandago’s team was responsible for harassing boda boda operators and other traders in the region.
The governor warned that county employees found working against his administration would face disciplinary action, including dismissal. He said Mandago should employ his loyalists using his own resources.
“I will have them removed from the county so that they can go and work for Mandago out there because there is no way they will keep on undermining me,” Bii said.
The two leaders have been at loggerheads for the past year, differing over several county issues, including projects initiated by Mandago during his tenure.
The row has led to two camps of political leaders in the region as political temperatures rise ahead of next year’s general election.
Bii and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi are in one camp, while Mandago and several MPs are allied to another team.
Sudi has publicly acknowledged the existence of the two camps, accusing Mandago of being a political failure.
Bii is expected to face a tough battle for the governor’s seat, with PS for Tourism Julius Bitok expected to be his main challenger. Bitok has confirmed that he will face off with Bii during the UDA primaries in the region.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who has visited the region in recent months, has urged the leaders to unite and serve residents. However, his call has been ignored as differences between Mandago and Bii continue to widen.
