Prominent Trans Nzoia farmer and former councillor Fredrick Rono has declared interest in becoming the running mate to Governor George Natembeya in the 2027 General Election.
Rono, who previously served as councillor for the then Kibomet Ward—now Hospital Ward—said he possesses the political experience and grassroots networks required to effectively deputise the governor, whom he believes is poised for re-election.
Rono argued that the current deputy governor has struggled to navigate the complex political landscape of Trans Nzoia County due to her technocratic background.
“It is evident that Governor Natembeya’s deputy has found it difficult to manage the political dynamics of Trans Nzoia. Leadership here requires political maturity and experience. I am ready to take up that responsibility,” he stated.
Despite expressing interest in the deputy governor’s position, Rono clarified that his support for Natembeya’s 2027 re-election is not conditional on being selected as running mate. He maintained that no other gubernatorial aspirant has presented a compelling development agenda comparable to that of the incumbent.
“The governor has the prerogative to choose whoever he deems fit as his running mate. Even the current County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Eliud Tormoi, can effectively serve in that role,” Rono said.
Rono also weighed in on national politics, accusing the National Police Service (NPS) of being misused to intimidate critics of President William Ruto’s administration.
“Every politician should be allowed to advance their ideologies freely, just as those allied to the President do without interference,” he said.
He further criticized the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), arguing that the ruling party should not be conflated with the structures of government.
“The Government of Kenya consists of three independent arms—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. UDA is a political party and not part of these constitutional institutions,” he added.
