A political comeback is now taking shape in West Pokot County after former Governor John Krop Lonyang’apuo officially declared his bid to reclaim the seat in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a charged event at Tartar, Lonyang’apuo signalled that he is not returning quietly.
The former county boss, who served between 2017 and 2022, is positioning himself as the man to “fix what has gone wrong” since his exit from office.
He framed his comeback as unfinished business, insisting his development agenda was cut short and must now be completed.
That message is already resonating with sections of leaders and residents who say the county has lost direction in recent years.
But it is his hard-hitting attack on the current administration that has immediately escalated the political temperature.
Lonyang’apuo is accusing Governor Simon Kachapin of presiding over corruption and stalled development, claiming billions allocated to the county have not translated into visible progress on the ground.
He is now calling for drastic action, including the removal of county officials linked to graft, arguing that public trust can only be restored through accountability.
The governor, however, has dismissed the claims as political noise, maintaining that his administration is delivering and urging rivals to focus on constructive politics instead of early campaigns.
With Lonyang’apuo back in the race, the 2027 contest is shaping up as more than just another election.
It is turning into a referendum on leadership, development, and the use of public funds in the county.
And with other contenders like Pokot South MP David Pkosing also eyeing the seat, the battle for control of West Pokot is already wide open, nearly two years before voters go to the ballot.
