COMMENTARY: Omogusii Destiny Lies in harnessing the wisdom of elders and the strength of the working people

COMMENTARY: Omogusii Destiny Lies in harnessing the wisdom of our elders and the strength of the working people

BY ERIC ABUGA

Various actors in the Gusii Community believe persistent fragmentation has diluted the region’s bargaining power at the national level; this despite having produced great leaders of national stature. 

The Abagusii are a Bantu-speaking community with a rich cultural heritage and deep historical roots, traditionally residing in the fertile western highlands of Kenya.

According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census. The Abagusi population stands at over 2.7 million people, with 1.2 million in Kisi County and 0.6 million in Nyamira County.

The 2022 IEBC register records over 1 million registered voters from the community, placing us among the most politically significant voting blocs in Kenya.

Economically, Abagusii people thrive on tea and coffee production, small-scale forming. education, entrepreneurship, and diaspora remittances. Socially, they value education, family solidarity, faith, and cultural heritage.

The Gusii unity is the cornerstone of our survival, growth, and dignity as a people. The Omogusii community has historically thrived when united and suffered setbacks when divided.

Political affiliation, personal ambition, or ideological differences must never be allowed to fragment the collective aspirations of the people.

Their unity is not only a shield against marginalization but also a powerful instrument of negotiation and influence in shaping the future of the nation.

In solidarity lies the community’s greatest strength, for only when they speak with one voice shall the Omogusii command respect, secure representation and guarantee a fair share in the governance and prosperity of Kenya.

In pursuit of unity, direction, and sustainable representation, they have resolved to identity, nurture, and institutionalize a leadership structure drawn from all sectors of the Omogusi community.

This structure shall take the form of a Community Leadership Council mandated to guide, coordinate and oversee the development of a comprehensive Political Charter that reflects the collective will and aspirations of our people.

Stakeholders acknowledge and greatly value the immense contribution of the Omogusii diaspora whose remittances, skills, and networks continue to strengthen our economy and uplift countless families back home.

Beyond the financial impact, the diaspora plays a critical role in shaping perceptions of the community internationally, advancing our intellectual capital, and sustaining the bonds of culture and identity across borders.

The community’s elders remain the custodians of history, culture, and values, and their wisdom must provide the moral compass for our people. At the same time, the youth represent the bold spirit of transformation, creativity, and resilience that will propel them into the future.

By embracing the politics of vision and substance, the Omogusii community will position itself as a respected and credible partner in national governance. They shall prioritize policies and strategies that strengthen our economic basis, protect their cultural identity, expand opportunities for youth and women, and secure their rightful place in Kenya's leadership.

In every negotiation, they shall demand recognition, fair representation, and equitable access to opportunities in government, public service, and resource distribution.

They affirm that their numbers must count, and through unity, discipline, and strategy, they will be the foundation of the community's voice and dignity and influence in the Republic of Kenya.

They resolve that every political gain must translate into visible economic benefits for their people: roads and energy to open markets, schools and universities to sharpen intellectual capital, hospitals to safeguard health, and industries to empower their families.

Their representation shall not be tokenistic but substantive and strategic by ensuring that capable sons and daughters of the Omogusii community are appointed, elected, and entrusted with leadership roles that shape policy and direct resource allocation.

Through partnerships, they shall open doors for investment and cultural exchange. policy influence, and social integration, ensuring that the community benefits not only internally but also in solidarity with others.

In a nation built on diversity, they affirm that their prospeity is tied to the prosperity they create together with others.

Through deliberate coalition-building. the Omogusii will safeguard its heritage, advance its development priorities, and position itself not only as a beneficiary of resource distribution, but also as a key partner in Kenya's leadership and control of state power.

The Omogusii shall guarantee that their future is not dictated from outside or imposed from above, but is authored by their people, for their people, and with their people.