By Remmy Butia
In the vibrant and often turbulent political landscape of Nandi County, few figures generate as much intrigue, respect, and speculation as David Bett Lagat, popularly known by his initials, DL. He is a man often described in whispers and bold proclamations: a strategist, a financier, a grassroots mobilizer, and, most prominently, the undisputed “Kingmaker” of Nandi politics. But is this title a true reflection of his power, or is it a mantle that obscures his own ultimate political ambitions?
This kingmaker status is rooted in several key attributes:
Grassroots Connectivity: DL is not a politician who appears only during election season. He maintains a constant presence on the ground, attending social functions, supporting community projects, and understanding the pulse of the people. This has built him a loyal base that trusts his judgment.
Financial Influence: Politics is resource-intensive, and DL is perceived as a man of means who can bankroll a campaign. This ability to level the financial playing field for his preferred candidates makes him a powerful patron.
Strategic Cunning: His colleagues and observers often point to his sharp political mind. He is seen as a master tactician who can read the political wind, form strategic alliances, and dismantle opponents with well-calculated moves.
The Politician in His Own Right: Ambition Beyond the Shadows
However, to view DL solely as a kingmaker is to tell only half the story. He is, unequivocally, a politician with his own aspirations. His decision to operate from “behind the scenes” is a strategic choice, not a lack of ambition.
DL has tested the waters himself. His past political forays, including a bid for the then larger Tinderet Parliamentary seat, demonstrated that he has a direct desire for elected office. While not all these attempts were not successful, they served a purpose: they solidified his name and presence in the political arena and taught him invaluable lessons about the mechanics of direct electoral politics.
The central question that lingers over Nandi politics is: When will DL make his own move for the crown?
Many believe his current role is a calculated long game. By building a reputation as the man who makes governors, he amasses immense political capital and debt. When the time is right – perhaps when the two-term limit for the current governor concludes – he could cash in this capital to launch his own bid for the top seat, presenting himself as the experienced, unifying leader who has already been steering the county’s destiny from behind the curtain.
Kingmaker or Future King? The Blurred Lines
In the case of David Bett Lagat, the line between kingmaker and politician is intentionally blurred. His power as a kingmaker is what makes him a formidable politician, even without a formal title. Conversely, his political ambitions likely fuel his efforts to remain the central node in Nandi’s political network.
The challenges to his kingmaker status are real. As his influence grows, so does the list of rivals and those who resent the “kingmaker” narrative. The volatile nature of Kenyan politics means that today’s loyal foot soldiers can become tomorrow’s opponents. Furthermore, the ultimate test of his power will come when he decides to transition from making kings to becoming one. Will the same machinery he built for others work for him when he is the candidate?
David Bett Lagat (DL) is a political phenomenon in Nandi County. He is both a kingmaker and a politician. The kingmaker role is the current manifestation of his power – a source of immense influence and a strategic platform. The politician is the underlying reality – a man with a vision for leadership and, likely, a personal ambition to one day govern.
For now, he remains the master chess player in Nandi politics, carefully moving pieces across the board. Whether he continues to crown others or decides to place the crown upon his own head, one thing is certain: in any political equation in Nandi County, DL is a factor that cannot be ignored. The kingdom listens when the kingmaker speaks, but the whole county watches, waiting to see if he will one day speak for himself, from the throne.
