Dr. Michael Bongei: Game Changer or Passing Cloud?

A real game changer, a political gambler or a just a passing cloud -that’s the description of Dr. Michael Bongei-depending on who ask that question in Bomet County.

But they all agree that the short statured man from Nukiat village of Tarakwa in Bomet Central has given the veteran politicians- led by the Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto-run for their money.

Known as the new “Mr. Moneybags,” in town, Dr. Bongei was ‘virtually unknown’, two years ago, even to his own villagers no one could aptly describe his childhood, schooling, social life or his professional growth.

A strange phenomenon in a society where people grow famous as they climb the social and economic ladder.

His name “Bongei,” further complicated the matter, as it is not a common name in the Kalenjin nomenclature.

But that was one year ago, they say money change people and that is exactly what has turned around the fortunes for Dr. Bongei, now political brokers and actors from the five corners of Bomet County can describe to you the man like the palm of their hands.

But who is Dr. Bongei? Just like his name, there is a little online or offline trace of him except his linked in profile in which he describes himself as a procurement professionals and a holder of PhD in procurement, among other credentials.

During an interview a local radio station, he described himself as a civil servant, a visionary leader and a family man.

Safe for that, his other ‘testimonials’ have been littered all over the social media thanks to his spirited online brigade.

As the dust settled following the ‘Gen Z’ protests mid last year, a new online awakening emerged in Bomet and Kericho with spirited youths from the region, mostly based in Nairobi and other areas, focusing on the leaders back at home.

It was around this time that the Bongei with his ‘new money’ emerged from the wood work.

Loaded, politically ‘clean’ and generous to the core, his name and the description of his deep pockets spread like bushfire.

Some nondescript political brokers, who had been thrown off guard following political agreement between President William Ruto-and his erstwhile regional rival Isaac Ruto- got a new lease of breath through Bongei.

The same applied to political activists who claimed to have been ‘heartbroken’ by current Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok’s failure to consider them, despite supposedly campaigning for his re-election during 2022 elections.

It is because of these jilted political brokers- or perhaps his money-that has made Dr.Bongei the most trending politician in Bomet this year. So much that the once over confident and brazen camp of former Governor Ruto felt the impact.

Using a wide network of political brokers, Dr. Bongei contributions to any fundraising that the brokers felt it was worth his publicity and ensured that his name was announced by the master of ceremony.

A delegation by delegation streamed to his home in Tarakwa, dining and wining there and being tipped a generous allowance in exchange. It is said that late last year to mid this year, he could spend a minimum of kes. 2 million in a weekend.

It is said that the figure has apparently dropped based on his recent contributions at churches and the frequency of his visits. We could not independently confirm this, as his handlers dismissed this as ‘propaganda’ while others claimed it is a ‘strategy.’ His rivals claim that the man is fortunes are ‘dwindling’ as they had predicted as a passing cloud. But this remain to be seen.

But who are Dr.Bongei’s competitors? Once fire-brand politician, former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto’s Jubilee era feud with President William Ruto almost drove him political oblivion it led him to lose the 2017 and 2022 elections to the late Dr. Joyce Laboso and Prof.Hillary Barchok, respectively.

Now out of power for two consecutive terms, the former Governor and Chair Council of the Governors seemed to have picked his lessons and in early 2023 he folded his party and joined the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

His vast political network and outspokenness make him a candidate to watch same to his political experience.

But he is not the only one eyeing the seat, the current Konoin MP Brighton Yegon has also declared his interest in the Bomet’s top seat.

Youthful and vibrant, the two-time MP is using his development record in the utilization of NG-CDF to endear himself to the other sub-counties.

The MP has also been active member of the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group and a spirited defender of the KK Alliance.