Editor's Review

Korir scooped the third biggest payout in Africa’s gaming history when he won the KSh 208, 733, 619 Sportpesa jackpot. 

Cosmas Korir, the winner of the Sh208 million Sportpesa mega jackpot, has been elected speaker of the Bomet County Assembly.

Korir, who is a Manchester United fan, became the toast of Kenya when he scooped the third biggest payout in Africa’s gaming history when he won the KSh 208, 733, 619 in 2018. 

However, on Wednesday, September 21, Korir floored ten other candidates to emerge as the new speaker of the County Assembly. 

He garnered 32 votes in the first round of voting beating former Kipsonoi ward MCA Weldon Kirui who came second with a measly 6 votes.

“I will work with all the members from across the political divide. I will ensure that your welfare is well taken care of,” Korir said in his acceptance speech.

Cosmas Korir being sworn in

In 2017, Korir tried his hand in politics, joining the Chama Cha Mashinani (Grassroots Party) after serving as a Director in Bomet County under the administration of first Governor, Isaac Ruto and vied without success for the Konoin parliamentary seat. 

“After I lost the election, people did not want to see me anymore and they would not answer your calls since they thought I wanted to borrow money. Now, God has added value to me and I can only say thank you.

“I want to thank SportPesa, if you have won, whatever you get is yours. I feel like giving people a share to celebrate but I will use what I have wisely,” Korir said in a past interview.