Historical comebacks are relatively rare in the North Rift region.
In the murky waters of politics, one slip-up has abruptly ended careers of many political bigwigs.
However two politicians in the region pulled off one of the greatest political comebacks in the history of the region.
In 2013 Uasin Gishu Senator Prof Margaret Kamar was on the campaign trail in, vying for the gubernatorial seat. She had chosen to stick with ODM party and she lost.
She was to make an unlikely comeback in the 2017 general elections. She vied for the Senate seat beating a field of 13 men to win the Jubilee ticket.
That gave her a straight win in the region that was largely a Jubilee zone.
Likewise, Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny was defeated in the parliamentary race in 2013, and he too ran for office a second time and made a major comeback in 2017.
After losing to Boston Marathon Champion Wesley Korir, Kutuny used his five years as statehouse advisor to re-invent his political career.
Known for his oratory politics, comical urban language ‘sheng’ and dancing skills, Kutuny re-surged politically after picking a new slogan “Heshimu Raia” which loosely translates to respect the citizens.
He has in the past compared himself to an eagle which undergoes a rebirth to extend its lifespan by removing their beaks, talons, and feathers in order to grow new ones.
Though many politicians in the region have made attempts for comebacks in vain, the duo have proven that losing doesn’t mean the end of a political career.
Among those who have made attempts for comebacks include: Former Cabinet Ministers Henry Kosgey, Former Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, Former Marakwet MP Linah Chebii Kilimo, Former Eldoret East MP Joseph Lagat, Former Eldoret South MPs David Koros and Jesse Maizs, Former Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony, Former Kwanza MP Noah Wekesa, Former Kapenguria MP Julius Murgor and Former Cherangany MP Kipruto Kirwa among others.
