IT IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH CHOICE FOR SOUTH MUGIRANGO VOTERS AS 12 HIGH PROFILE INDIVIDUALS JOIN THE RACE SET FOR A JUNE, 2010 BY-ELECTION.
Reports Leo Odera Omolo From Rongo Town
The forthcoming by-election in South Mugirango constituency is going to be the toughest campaign ever seen in the Gusii region in the recent years.
Already twelve {12} high profile individual aspirants have declared their interest in the seat formerly held by the ODM national treasurer, Omingo Magara. Magara’s election in the 2007 as the area MP was nullified by the High Court Judge, Justice Masinga sitting in Kisii law court, on the ground of irregularities.
Magara himself is leading the pack of twelve aspirants, and the rumor making the rounds on the ground paints negative colors, that his chances of clinching the seat are rather deem. This is because of the widely common knowledge that he burned his bridges with the ODM leadership, particularly the party leader, Raila Odinga.
The Orange party is still very popular with the Gusii electorate, and appear to be a hard nut to crack in this constituency by another party. But this will however depend on the strength of the individuals contesting on the party’s ticket after the preliminaries.
Although the Independent Interim Electoral Commission has yet to set the official campaign date rolling, the aspirants were already on the ground at the weekend. They attended funerals and gatherings in marketplaces, schools sports meetings, and other gatherings, ahead of the official campaign time.
The indications on the ground are that the ODM ticket is expected to attract more spirants than any other party.
Reports from the ground say Omingo Magara might not be an easy push over, but still a power to reckon with, if only he gets the blessing of his party leadership. Whether the top brass of ODM are willing to forgive and forget remains to be seen.
But the entry of the former area MP, David Kombo, and Ombasa Apepo, who appear to have done their home work properly, each hoping to clinch the ODM nomination, further complicates things for Magara.
Not to be left out of the equation either is the only woman candidate in the race, Rosemary Obara. She is the chairperson of the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company. If she wins the nomination phase, and go ahead to win the parliamentary contest, she will go down in the history books as the first woman to win a parliamentary seat among the Abagusii people.
The other woman who at one time had became so powerful politically in the region, and contested a parliamentary seat previously, was Mrs Catherine Nyamato, the former nominated MP who contested Mugirango West. Therefore Obara’s candidature could complicate the race for all the male aspirants, as the populous female votes are likely to sway her way.
The teachers fraternity will also be well represented by the KNUT Gucha South branch treasurer, Mr Zebedeo Nyaboga, as well as the retired former High School Principal, Mr. Ibrahim Otoi, who has also declared that he would be in the race for the same seat. Both of them enjoy good rapport with the teachers in the region, and are banking on cashing out on that popularity.
So if it isn’t a history of economic development initiatives that will tilt the decision of the voters, the educational achievement of a contestant will most likely do the trick. For besides teachers, there is also a doctor, and a lawyer. Dr. Ezekiel Okemwa, who is said to be having a good following on the ground, is maximizing on his profession to turn the tables on the other aspirants. Not to be outdone, a Kisii lawyer, Mr David Mugunde, is also counting on his local connections to get him overboard. A Mr. Mauti Sagwe is also in the race.
Yet the man to watch very carefully is Manson Nyamweya, the man who had petitioned the court and ensured Magara’s election was nullified. He is a staunch member of the Nyachae’s Ford People party. He has confirmed that he will contest the by-election on the same party’s ticket.
Nyamweya is a strong candidate and did fairly well during the 2007 general elections. He was mostly betrayed by the fact that the Ford People party de facto leade,r Simeon Nyachae, failed to appear on the ground to conduct the campaign for his party’s candidate. Had Nyachae appeared in any of Nyamweya’s public campaign rallies, things could have changed for the better for this particular candidate. But despite Nyachae’s absence and non-appearance in South Mugirango, his party candidate lost in a respectable position, a clear indication that Nyachae’s party is still a power to reckon with in Gusii politics.
During last Saturday’s burial of Mr. James Ochwando at Nyamarambe, seven aspirants appeared together and launched their campaign. Some were cheered up, while other were jeered and heckled. This is a clear indication that the forthcoming by-elections could breed violence and lawlessness in the area, due to the presence at the campaign rallies of the many drunken political goons.
While the seven launched their campaigns at a funeral near Nyamarambe, their rivals, Apepo and Mayonga, organized for behind the scenes strategic campaign meetings in various hotels within Kisii Municipality, about twenty kilometers away.
All the leading parties like PONU, ODM-Kenya, Ford People, Ford-Kenya, PNU and KANU are expected to sponsor a candidate for this by-election.
One issue which is likely to dominate the campaign is the poor and lackluster performance of Omingo Magara during the last eight years, when he represented the constituency.
The former MP has the worst record on development matters of any MP from the area. And his opponents are expected to hammer on this, as well as on his migratorykind of politics, which showed him to be close to Nyachae at one time, then moving on to Raila Odinga, and now being among the rebel ODM MPs, giving “Agwambo” sleepless nights, in William Ruto’s bandwagon.
As we were going to the press, two other aspirants declared their interests in the seat. They are Mr. Rashid Muyonga, Master Ondora.
Ends.
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
Let us wait and see the outcome when time comes.
YES, WE WANT SOUTH MUGIRANGO TO DEMONSTRATE FOR THE SO-CALLED ODM ‘REBELS’ THAT THE PARTY IS STRONGER AND VERY FIRM. WE MUST FIGHT CORRUPTION, IMPUNITY AND BLACKMAIL. WE MUST PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT. RAILA ODINGA IS TRULY A LEADER.
No development no vote for omingo M. HE HAS FAILED.Dr okemwa, kombo and Manson Nyamweya should be looked. KOMBO HAD SOME DEVELOPMENT PREVIOUSLY AND OKEMWA HAD GIVEN JOB TO MANY PEOPLE.SO DECIDE
Development and Investment are the two interlinked words which can evaluate the performance of a person. Somebody who is for the people must work for the people with the people. In a manner that he provides jobs and projects, leading by example.
In order to invest and develop;about our former mps, they forget people very soon once in parliament. Others have good speeches about what they can do but how can you trust spoken words? Forget them all..
If people were to say yes, it is all about development and not clan, then people should vote for Dr Ezekiel Okemwa. What he can do is very practical on what he has done while a Director of kenya marine and fisheries. He worked sleeplessly for the people not only from south mugirango but from all parts of Kissi and kenya. He initiated and opened development project which is an investment that people are enjoying at kegati and other parts of Kenya, just to metion afew.
I call all interested and future focused eminents and respected ladies and men, vote for development; that is Dr Ezekiel Okemwa.
Magara went to parliament on sympathy votes,not that he was good or developmental.He has actually lived to testify so.Change is inevitable this time,thanks to the IIEC.My fellow South Mugirangos,this man Magara has been practicing NEPOTISM,let us elect one who can unite us.Decision is all yours.Magara,please give us humble time as you have had enough of your time.Watch this space!!!!!
I want to say this, that the people of South Mugirango will decide their own destiny. However, we need a leader who can address the many problems we face. Since Magara took office things have gone from bad to worse: We have the poorest education standards in Gusii land, poorest roads and division on clanism. We made a mistake to elect this man. Leadership is and has never been about making too much noise in Nairobi while you forget the people you represent, It has never been about stealing from the people or leadership of deceit and threats. We need a leader who will correct these mess: Improve education standards, repair our roads, distribute power equitably and be accountable to his people honestly. A leader who is humble and respectful to the people. Magara has non of these wishes, the people must deny such leadership room to continue their evil actions and the time is now. I used to support this man unknowingly but he misused the generosity of the South Mugirango people and became a so proud but ineffective leader.
Development is want we need, therefore people of S.Mugirango, please don’t look at few cents people like Magara give out to get a ticket to parliament. I don’t know this man Dr Okemwa but I heard him what he has done. Loook at Kombo also for at least he did some notable development that is bridges construction. what about Nyamweya? is working hard for many years and understand he is a wealth man but he has no notable development but still consider him. Lastly but not the least, somebody of the three should be close to Agwambo. Agwambo is admirable in his development focused decision.
What about Omingo? he like football so much and making enemies as well.Those people he trust, if they tell him that somebody is bad or is talking ill of him that is it, you become his enemy without him digging out the truth. We want development not making enemies.
Sammy Omwando Nyaboga from Ndonyo Sub-location. Currently in USA
The stage has been set, Ochoi is our man and the next MP south Mugirango. Magara must now prepare to go home. The over ten years he has been in parliament, he has done nothing to the people of south, Once he takes power, he moves to Nairobi and ensures that he is on TV all the time fighting his own battles without regard to development in his constituency.
We supported this man and even spend our own resources to his campaign but he failed. First he began by courting ant-reformists in our country while rejecting people like Agwambo who has suffered and continue to fight for true change in our country. He has contributed to poor education standards in our constituency by transferring headteachers that oppose his leadership. He has had no plan on upgrading roads, Schools at home. He has failed to fairly distribute electricity equitably, he is dishonest having mismanaged the CDF funds by appointing his own cronies to manage the funds. In fact he sounds a great leader outside but a total failure at home. The time has now come to send him backing. He must go home forever for he squandered the generosity of the South Mugirango people.
Mr Okindo, Ochoi is a good man and I happen to know him. If he has marketed himself very well, then there is no problem for he happen to keep promises very well.
what about Okemwa, Kombo and Nyamweya? To me, of the four, whoever decide to be close to Agwambo should be the man. To be specific Mr Okindo, if I was there , I will have voted for Ochoi then my next choice is Okemwa then Nyamweya and lastly Kombo.
I wish all people of S. Mugirango good voting. Mr Magara told me that is tired of that job so count him out. Don’t try to force him, otherwise if you force him, don’t regret. I can not advice you whom to select but I can request you not to vote for Omingo because he doesn’t want.
Sammy Omwando Nyaboga From Minnesota-USA
OCHOI IS THE MAN WE WANT TO SUPPORT WITH ALL OUR HEARTS EVEN IF HE DOES NOT HELP US WE WILL NOT FEEL SO BAD. SOMETIMES BLOOD IS THINNER THAN WATER. OCHOI GO GO . ODM IS THE PARTY.
OCHOI OCHOI. MAGARA IS A SPENT FORCE WHY LIE
Yes mr Mw Ayiema Okeri I wish I was there to Give OCHOI my vote. I only did see him once at Uriri High school but wonderfully he fulfilled his promise by coming at my home all the way far when I had a problem while others espeecially Omingo turned me down. However that is personal but what I meant is that, I learnt OCHOI as a person who has got no hatred and no harsh/querrel language towards people like Omingo M( supporters of Omingo can lie to him that somebody does not like him and Omingo can start hating you without you being aware, we don’t want such leaders and brother Omingo should change). Ochoi is understanding Person and as a leader who has led the most difficult people that is students, I think he can do it better if given a chance. I don’t hate anybody but it is development constituencywise we look at when selecting a leader and not personal issues.
Thank you and I wish everybody happy voting.
sammy O’nyaboga-USA
I ask you men and women of good will to watch and see how we transform South Mugirango on tenth June. On this day a new leadership will be ushered in. Hon. Ibrahim Ochoi will take over the mantle of leadership to lead the south Mugirango people. Politics of clan, deceit, perfected by the former MP Omingo will surely come to the end.
This is the day we’re looking forward to. With Ochoi in office, our people will be assured of good roads, better schools and an end to clanism. I ask my people to rise up and resist lies portraying Ochoi as an outsider. Outsider how? This man has served our people faithfully for many years. He was born and bred here in Kisii. How come this issue of outsider is coming in when he wants to lead. These lies by Omingo must be rejected.Omingo must know that south Mugirango has changed and no lies will change us. Ochoi my brother don’t fear we are with you to the end and you will prevail. God bless you.
OMINGO IS MY FIRST COUSIN BUT IF SOMEONE LACKS THE MORAL AUTHORITY TO LEAD THEN THEY SHLD NOT LEAD. OMINGO IS A SELFISH LEADER FULL OF LIES AND DECEIT. I KNOW HIM ON A PERSONAL LEVEL,THE MAN IS ARROGANR AND A SNOB. HE HAS DONE NOTHING TO THE CONSTITUENTS BUT ONLY EMPTY PROMISES. WHEN HIS COUSINS GO TO SEE HIM…BCOZ OF POVERTY HE TAKES THEM TO SLEEP IN THE COW SHEDS AT HIS HOME AND RELEASES THEM WITHOUT EVEN FOOD OR A BATH. WHO DOES THAT TO PEOPLE? OCHOI IS A VERY INTELLIGENT AND DOWN TO EARTH MAN WHO WILL TREAT YOU AS A HUMAN BEING WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM OR NOT. PLZ GUYS LETS VOTE HYPOCRICY FRM POWER. OMINGO IS SO VAIN AS TO BUY VOTERS WITH 50 BOB. THE SAME MONEY HE CANT WONT NEVER GIVE YOU WHEN HE WINS. PPLE OF SM ONCE LIED TO TWICE BAD, BUT THRICE?? WE HAVE OUR DESTINY IN OUR HANDS. DEMOCRACY IS THE THING TO GO FOR. ODM IS THE PARTY OCHOI IS THE GUY. LETS PRAY FOR HIM.
Omingo is bad,very bad. please vote him out.
vote peacefully,vote ibra ochoi
Omingo says that don’t expect him to do development for south mogirango better you give to Ochoi or Okemwa otherwise give Nyamweya.
Pole sana watu wote wa south Mugirango kwa kumpoteza mweshimiwa Ochoi.Let “JAH”Rest Him in peace.
2012 is around the corner,let us vote wisely.we need development-oriented leaders.say no to old times politics.
We need to remain focused on what we want – a new Kenya. We started with the constitution, we now have to move on to put in place a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
ODM IS THE ONLY PARTY THAT CAN TAKE PEOPLE TO THINK AND FOCUS FAR FROM WHERE THEY ARE SITTING. I REALLY LOVE PEOPLE OF ODM
AS THE CAMPAIGNS START NOW OTHERS WILL RUN HOUSE TO HOUSE TO LOOK FOR VOTES. WALIKUA WAPI HAWAJAWAHI KUONEKANA SASA THEY WILL COME TO BE SEEN. THESE PEOPLE ARE FULL OF FALSE PROMISES. OTHERS WANAHARIBIA WENGINE KURA AFADHALI WAKAE KWA NYUMBA WAPIKIWE WALALE INSTEAD OF WASTING THEMSELVES.