The political dynamics in West Pokot County have intensified further with the entry of former governor Professor John Lonyangapuo and Pokot South MP David Pkosing into the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

However, the move by the two politicians joining the ruling party has been received with mixed reactions.

The UDA team led by Senator Julius Murgor is opposing Pkosing’s entry into the party, while another faction led by Governor Simon Kachapin is vehemently against Longangapuo’s affiliation with UDA. 

The internal political disputes among leaders in the county reflects the deep-rooted tensions and ambitions among key political players in West Pokot County ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As the battle for power intensifies, the political future of the county remains uncertain, with alliances shifting and rivalries brewing within and outside UDA party lines.

Both Longangapuo and Pkosing are targeting the governor’s seat in 2027, creating a dynamic where former allies are now rivals within the same party. 

As tensions rise, it’s clear that the political future of West Pokot County is in for an intriguing twist as these two prominent figures clash within UDA while eyeing the same prize. 

Prof Lonyangapuo joined the Kenya Kwanza team immediately after the 2022 general elections and was appointed the chairman for the Rift valley water works agency.

But on Saturday April 27, 2024, Pkosing who has been a rebel MP from President William Ruto’s backyard and a great critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration publicly and officially joined the UDA Party.

This comes after President William Ruto who was in the county three weeks ago, welcomed Pkosing and Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee to join the ruling party.

However, this caused internal discord in the party with a section of UDA leaders in the County together with those who have sided with Prof Lonyangapuo being against Pkosing and Lotee joining President Ruto’s party. 

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin who has teamed up with Pkosing and Lotee, has come out guns blazing over those against welcoming the two leaders in the ruling Party.

Kachapin who is vying for the County UDA chairmanship against Senator Julius Murgor is upbeat of taking over the County’s chairmanship position.

The West Pokot governor has pointed out that the County has registered the highest number of UDA members in the Country, with 25,000 members.

“UDA will bounce back in 2027 and it will rule for more than 100 years. The party is now strong,” said Kachapin.

Speaking on Saturday in Kapenguria town, Kachapin welcomed members from other parties like KUP, Kanu and Jubilee.