By Robert Mutasi 
Kapseret MP Oscar Kipchumba Sudi is laying the groundwork for a fourth consecutive term as political activity gathers momentum in Uasin Gishu County ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sudi, who entered Parliament in 2013, has retained the Kapseret seat in three successive elections and remains one of the most prominent political figures in the Rift Valley.
His latest political engagements suggest that he intends to defend the constituency once again, even as a number of aspirants begin positioning themselves to challenge his dominance.
Sudi has maintained that his political focus is centred on development and improving the livelihoods of residents. He says leadership should be measured by its impact on the people rather than personal interests.
“My vision and plan is to implement programmes that impact positively on the lives of our people. Leadership is about the people and not selfishness,” Sudi said.
The legislator has built part of his political profile around empowerment programmes targeting residents, youth, women and community groups. Various beneficiaries have received equipment and other resources intended to help them establish or expand income-generating activities.
Among the items distributed through such initiatives are posho mills, motorcycles and vehicles.
Education is also emerging as one of the key issues Sudi is expected to emphasise as he seeks to retain the seat. He has backed the construction and renovation of classrooms and improvement of learning facilities in schools across Kapseret.
The MP has also pledged to continue supporting students from needy families through scholarships and other education initiatives.
Infrastructure and security are other areas featuring prominently in his development agenda. Sudi has pointed to road construction and rural electrification while also supporting efforts to expand police infrastructure through additional police posts and stations.
Beyond his constituency, Sudi has previously participated in peace-building initiatives in the Rift Valley.
In 2019, he joined other leaders, elders and young people in efforts to promote peace in the Kerio Valley following a period of insecurity involving communities in the region.
As the country approaches another election, he has continued to call for peaceful political competition.
“I cherish peace and unity and that is why I always ask Kenyans to remain peaceful even as we head to the elections. I don’t want to see a repeat of previous violent incidents which affected this country,” Sudi said during an interdenominational church service and fundraiser attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Kapseret on August 30, 2026.
Sudi’s political journey began before he became an elected leader. He has previously said he worked in the transport sector before moving into business and later becoming involved in political campaigns in the former Eldoret South constituency.
Those activities helped him establish grassroots political networks before he contested and won the Kapseret parliamentary seat in 2013.
He went on to defend the seat in 2017 and 2022, cementing his position in Uasin Gishu politics.
His influence has also extended to the national political scene through his strong support for President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, the road to a fourth term is unlikely to be straightforward.
Several aspirants have been mentioned as potential contenders for the Kapseret seat, including John Chumba, Pauline Tuwei, Emmanuel Kemboi, Sylvia Metto and Frank Murgor.
Their entry into the race could provide Sudi with his most competitive contest yet, although the strength of each challenger will only become clearer during party nominations.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will eventually clear the candidates who meet the legal requirements to contest the seat.
For now, political mobilisation is expected to intensify across Kapseret as aspirants seek to build support networks, attend community events and communicate their development priorities to voters.
Some residents remain confident that Sudi has a strong chance of retaining the seat.
Kapseret resident Joseph Brett acknowledged that every Kenyan has the right to contest but argued that defeating the incumbent would be difficult.
“We are in a democratic country and everyone is free to vie in Kapseret like in other areas. However, those seeking to face off with Sudi should know that their effort is like cutting a Mugumo tree using a razor blade,” Brett said.
The emerging contest is likely to become one of the closely watched parliamentary races in Uasin Gishu as the 2027 election approaches.
With Sudi seeking to extend his parliamentary tenure and new challengers positioning themselves, Kapseret is set for an increasingly competitive political battle in the months ahead.
Eldoret Leo