Team Matiangi's Challenge in Nyansiongo Ward By-election

By Eric Abuga

The team supporting Dr. Fred Matiangi is entering the Nyansiongo by-election with what appears to be a divided base due to their decision to sponsor two candidates. 

This choice is likely to split their voter support, potentially handing victory to their opponents, who are determined to secure the seat.
The team is backing both the People's Democratic Party candidate, Jackson Mogusu, and the United Progressive Party candidate, Kevin Maranga. 

Critics argue that this decision is a significant mistake, as it risks splitting the vote between two strong candidates from the United Opposition. 

Analysts believe that a compromise to select a single candidate could have solidified their chances against rivals.

On Saturday, before their campaign activities in Nyansiongo Ward, the Matiangi-aligned team attended a church service at Kijauri SDA, where both Mogusu and Maranga were present. 
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, a member of the Matiangi team, stated that the by-election battle is between President William Ruto and Dr. Matiangi. 

“We are here to speak the truth; the struggle is to expose government lies and support Mr. Fix It (Matiangi). They may come with helicopters to intimidate our people, but we are vigilant,” he emphasized.

This sentiment was echoed by Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, who noted, “We have a presidential candidate who has garnered support from across the board. Nyansiongo is his home turf. We will not tolerate intimidation or voter bribery.”

Notably absent from the Nyansiongo Ward campaigns was the UPA Party National Secretary Jacob Bagaka, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Kisii County Assembly. The previous day, he had campaigned for the party’s Nyamaiya Ward candidate, Chris Osiemo.

On the other side, UDA candidate Denis Kebaso has received backing from the government, with party National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi actively engaged in campaigning in the area. 

Notably, Mogusu and Maranga had filed the election petition that nullified Kebaso's win in the 2022 general elections. 

Kebaso, who served as the Minority Leader from 2017 to 2022, was initially declared the winner after running on a Jubilee Party ticket, only to lose to Mogusu, who won as the UPA candidate. 

Mogusu had previously served as the first elected Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Nyansiongo from 2013 to 2017.

In addition to political party affiliations, clan politics are expected to play a significant role in the by-elections. 

Elections in the Gusii region, including Nyamira and Kisii, are often influenced by clan associations. 

However, political analysts argue that such dynamics may not be as crucial at the ward level.

Nyansiongo Ward is characterized by three dominant clans: Omogirango, Omogetutu, and Omonyaribari. 

In the current race, the UDA candidate Kebaso represents the Abagirango clan, Mogusu represents the Abagetutu clan, and Maranga represents the Abanyaribari clan.