By Gerald Gekara and Henry Kimoli
The land and cradle of bananas in Kenya is embroiled in bitter political feuds as James Ongwae hangs his boots.
The 10-year tenure for the former TSC boss and PS is constitutionally over. And Gusiiland is boiling hot for its second governor.
The politics of Gusii land revolve around Azimio Raila Odinga and burly CS Dr. Fred Matiangi.
Matiang’i Factor
Matiang’i, the Uhuru Kenyatta spanner boy at home and in the security docket is on a political mission.
He wants to be the next big thing in Gusii land and Kenya.
Matiang’i has been herding the Kisii voters into a corner from where they will negotiate their stakes. Without influence from “outsiders”.
Azimio Raila Odinga is spoilt for choice.
The evergreen Professor Sammy Ongeri is his man. So is Simba Arati the lion from Dagoretti in Nairobi who is very close to Mama Ida Odinga.
Arati is among a crop of young leaders known as Friends of Mama Ida. Others are Anthony Oluoch of Mathare, Kaluma of Homa Bay among others.
Should Arati decide to run in Kisii or back a candidate, he will easily run away with the Azimio ticket…
Former ODM treasurer Omingo Magara decision to support Hustler Nation has paved way for Deputy Speaker Joash Maangi to run for the seat.
Matiangi is among a crop of leaders and technocrats tasked to deliver the Kisii nation vote to Raila, and thereafter angle for the 2027 seat.
Matiang’i has a political bus that will field candidates in Kisii.
Ongeri is the Azimio preferred candidate. But Ida influence may work against him.
He is, still viewed with suspicion over his links with the late spy Chief James Kanyotu. They are related through marriage.
Besides, Ongeri, medical doctor, is among the surviving KANU dinosaurs,and Moi hardliners. He has served in all governments since independence.
And will stop at nothing to serve Azimio.
Ongeri is a political fix. If his political chi tells him that the Hustlers are popular in Kisii, he will dump Azimio like a used Covid 19 testing kit.
Ongeri, at only 83, has served both the government and the opposition. He fought a good battle with Simeon Nyachae. And won the fight.
Nyachae Factor
The Nyachae family has a bright political past. It has reached the level of dwindling returns and may soon join that of Mwai Kibaki, the Mwendwa family, the Mwangale family into political oblivion.
Janet Ong’era aspires to run she for the seat on the ODM ticket. But it may be just but an attempt. She has already opened her mind to Ongwae’s pick.
Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezikiel Machogu, Roads Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure, and former MPs Manson Nyamweya have declared interest to run for the office. They are clearly also runs.
*This article was written by Gerald Gekara and Henry Kimoli for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
