After years of sharp criticism against President William Ruto and the Hustler Movement, flamboyant Uasin Gishu tycoon Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, has made a political U-turn. In a move that stunned many, Buzeki officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at Hustler Centre, marking what could be the beginning of a bruising battle for the soul of Uasin Gishu politics. His entry immediately set tongues wagging, with analysts predicting a likely showdown with Governor Jonathan Bii, alias Koti Moja, who was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022.
Speaking during the high-profile event, Buzeki said his decision to defect was driven by the transformative impact of the Bottom-Up economic model. He argued that the policy is already delivering results and that he wanted to be part of the winning team shaping Kenya’s economic future. “We do not want to be fence sitters,” he declared, adding that his move should be remembered as a turning point where both he and the people of Uasin Gishu chose to drive Kenya’s economic transformation alongside UDA.
UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan Omar, who presided over the ceremony, warmly welcomed Buzeki to the party. He assured the businessman of fair competition within the party and promised that UDA would safeguard transparent nominations as 2027 draws near. Omar also underscored the significance of Buzeki’s entry, noting that his private sector experience would inject fresh energy into the Bottom-Up agenda, which remains the backbone of UDA’s development promises.
With his vast resources and grassroots influence, Buzeki’s defection is expected to shake up political calculations in Uasin Gishu and beyond. His decision sets the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the Rift Valley come 2027. For now, the region braces itself for a fierce political duel between Buzeki and Governor Koti Moja, as UDA’s house prepares for a new era of internal competition.
