Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly has received the backing of elders from the area for his bid to succeed Nandi Governor Stephen Sang in the 2027 General Election.

Melly said the support from the elders was a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and an indication that his political journey should now move beyond Tinderet Constituency to the wider Nandi County.

The three-term MP said he was grateful to the people of Tinderet for electing him repeatedly and for giving him the opportunity to serve in Parliament, adding that the blessings and prayers of the community would be important as he seeks to take his political career to the county level.

He said the endorsement by the elders had given him renewed confidence to offer himself for the governorship and promised to reach out to residents across the county to explain his vision and development agenda.

The MP said his experience in Parliament, coupled with his background in education, had equipped him with knowledge and experience that he would apply in running the county government.

The legislator has served in the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education and Research and has been involved in debates on education policy and other national development issues.

He stated that if elected governor, his administration would give greater attention to healthcare, particularly improving access for vulnerable families, while also undertaking reforms in early childhood development education.

Melly said Nandi needed modern healthcare facilities that could provide quality services closer to residents, adding that improving staff motivation would be critical in strengthening service delivery.

On education, he said the county government should strengthen ECDE by improving learning infrastructure and supporting teachers so that children receive a strong foundation before progressing to higher levels of education.

His gubernatorial bid comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across Nandi ahead of the 2027 General Election. Governor Sang is serving his second term, setting the stage for a contest to determine his successor.

Among the politicians who have expressed interest in the gubernatorial race are Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, former Nandi County Assembly Speaker Joshua Kiptoo, and former governor Cleophas Lagat.

Muge has continued to build her profile through programmes focusing on education, women and youth empowerment, sports, and community development across the county.

Kiptoo, a former speaker of the Nandi County Assembly, has also been holding grassroots engagements and participating in community development activities as he seeks to expand his political base.

Lagat, who served as Nandi governor, is also seeking another opportunity to lead the county, bringing previous executive experience to the emerging contest.

Melly, meanwhile, has sought to highlight his record in the constituency, where he has been associated with development initiatives in education, roads, electrification, and agricultural support.

He has also continued to engage local leaders, administrators, and residents on matters affecting service delivery and development in the constituency.

The elders’ endorsement is expected to give him an opportunity to intensify his engagement beyond Tinderet as he seeks support from residents in other constituencies.

He said the county residents should be given an opportunity to assess all aspirants based on their experience, development records, leadership programmes and ability to address the challenges facing the county.

Melly said his ambition was driven by the desire to use his experience in public service to promote development and improve service delivery across Nandi.

He pledged to continue engaging residents and other stakeholders as he prepares for the gubernatorial contest, saying the support he had received from elders and residents would form an important part of his political journey.

By Sammy Mwibanda