Mandago Warned Against Divisive Politics

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago

Uasin Gishu Senator and former Governor Jackson Mandago has been strongly cautioned against engaging in divisive, confrontational, and politically hypocritical conduct that threatens unity, accountability, and democratic governance within Uasin Gishu County and the wider Kalenjin community.

In a statement released on Friday, human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich urged Senator Mandago, as one of the most senior political figures in the region, to rise above personal political interests and act as a unifying leader at a time when the country requires cohesion, sobriety, and development-oriented leadership.

Ngetich criticized the senator’s sustained attacks on the current Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Chelilim, describing them as ill-motivated, and driven by political jealousy rather than genuine concern for public accountability. He emphasized that criticism in a democratic society is legitimate only when it is grounded in facts and offered in good faith.

“Political criticism must be anchored on truth, evidence, and the public interest,” Ngetich said. “What we are witnessing is not constructive oversight but a calculated witch-hunt aimed at undermining current leadership for personal political survival.”

The activist noted that it is paradoxical for Senator Mandago to posture as a champion of accountability while he himself is facing serious criminal and ethical allegations that could permanently place his political ambitions in jeopardy. He warned that opening political confrontations under such circumstances amounts to “dancing on fire.”

Ngetich referenced reports by the Auditor-General during Mandago’s tenure as Uasin Gishu Governor, which raised red flags over widespread financial irregularities, loss of public funds, fictitious procurement, and alleged manipulation of county financial systems. He noted that these reports, which remain public documents, paint a troubling picture of governance during the senator’s two-term leadership of the county.

According to Ngetich, Mandago presided over Uasin Gishu County at a time when devolved units were receiving unprecedented financial allocations following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Counties were receiving billions of shillings annually, in addition to locally generated revenue, yet Uasin Gishu allegedly suffered massive financial losses and questionable dealings that deprived residents of essential services.

“The people of Uasin Gishu deserve to ask hard questions about how public resources were utilized during that period,” Ngetich said. “The concerns raised by the Auditor-General are sufficient to disqualify any leader from lecturing others on integrity.”

He further raised concerns over the alleged irregular transfer and disposal of assets inherited from former local authorities during the transition to county governments, warning that such actions, if proven, amount to organized economic crime against the people of Uasin Gishu.

The activist also condemned reports that Senator Mandago has been traversing the county telling aspiring Members of Parliament and gubernatorial hopefuls that he controls electoral outcomes and that they must seek his approval. Ngetich described such claims as dangerous, undemocratic, and a direct assault on the free will of voters.

“No individual holds the keys to elections in a democracy,” he stated. “Such rhetoric promotes political patronage, intimidation, and the creation of a shadow syndicate that undermines democratic choice.”

Ngetich accused the senator of selectively targeting leaders who have refused to submit to manipulative political schemes, including Governor Chelilim and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, while portraying himself as a unifying figure only when in the presence of national leadership.

He further reminded Senator Mandago of unresolved issues surrounding the controversial overseas scholarship programme, urging him to publicly apologize to affected parents and ensure full restitution of any funds irregularly obtained.

“The pain suffered by families affected by that scandal cannot be erased by political posturing,” Ngetich said. “Accountability begins with acknowledging wrongdoing and making amends.”

The activist also warned against the exploitation of ethnic and clan dynamics, particularly the “Nandi numerical advantage” in Uasin Gishu, to sanitize political reputations or divide communities for personal gain. He emphasized that such politics are outdated, dangerous, and incompatible with the President’s call for unity.

Ngetich called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other investigative agencies to intensify recovery efforts where public resources are suspected to have been lost, including scrutiny of personal wealth where indicators point to proceeds of crime.

He urged residents of Uasin Gishu County to actively seek and read the Auditor-General’s reports and exercise their constitutional right under the 2010 Constitution to demand integrity, leadership, and accountability from elected officials.

In a firm warning, Ngetich issued a one-week ultimatum for Senator Mandago to tone down inflammatory rhetoric and abandon divisive politics in favor of development-focused leadership aligned with President William Ruto’s call for national and regional unity.

“The President deserves decorum, harmony, and genuine support from leaders of his community,” he said. “Infighting, ego-driven politics, and superiority complexes only weaken our people and embarrass national leadership.”

He extended the warning to all Kalenjin leaders propagating clanism, tribalism, and political hatred, stating that they will be named, exposed, and held accountable by voters.

“Any leader who undermines unity, accountability, and development within the Kalenjin community, or attempts to sabotage the President through internal conflicts, should consider their political future seriously,” Ngetich warned.

He concluded by calling on Senator Mandago to immediately desist from sowing seeds of discord and division, stating that the era of political hypocrisy must come to an end.

“Leadership demands humility, truth, and service to the people,” Ngetich said. “Uasin Gishu and the Kalenjin community deserve better.”