Charles Keter Makes Comeback in Kericho Politics

By Kimutai Kerich

President William Ruto’s Adviser on the Great Lakes Region, Charles Keter, has announced his intention to contest the Kericho gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

Keter, who has recently been engaged in foreign assignments most recently representing the President at a regional meeting in Uganda has intensified grassroots engagements across the county.

Among the notable events he has attended are a gathering at the home of Belgut MP Nelson Koech and bueial fundraiser for accident victims held on Monday in Kedowa, Kipkelion East. Addressing residents at the event, Keter officially declared his bid for the governorship, drawing cheers from the crowd.

“I want to officially announce here that I am vying for the governorship come 2027,” he said.

The former Cabinet Secretary for Energy previously contested for the same seat in 2022 but lost to the incumbent Governor, Dr Erick Mutai, during the UDA party primaries.

Keter explained that although his family originates from Bureti, he grew up in Kabianga where his parents lived, a factor that led to his election as Belgut MP.

He noted that he currently resides in Chepsir, Kipkelion East. Observers say the remarks were aimed at appealing for support from all parts of the county.

Keter, who also served as Kericho Senator before the tenure of the late Aaron Cheruiyot, has largely stayed away from active local politics in recent years—a move some analysts view as a strategy that has rebranded him.

Many residents now say his leadership style has been missed. Speaking a few days earlier at the home of Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Bomet Nominated Senator Joyce Korir urged residents of Kericho County to pray for and support Keter.

She described him as one of the senior and respected leaders in the South Rift, saying his leadership was needed to guide the Kipsigis community and help address complex development challenges in the region.

Keter is now seen as a front-runner in a race expected to include County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai and the incumbent governor, who has survived two impeachment attempts.