The Government Machinery in Matiangi's Backyard Ahead of By-elections

BY ERIC ABUGA  

The three by-elections in Nyamira County are already creating political jitters in the region, with fierce competition anticipated between candidates from the ruling party, UDA, and those aligned with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi. 

Candidates from various political parties, including some local ones, are contesting in three wards: Ekerenyo in North Mugirango, Nyamaiya in West Mugirango, and Nyansiongo in Borabu Constituency.  

With less than 20 days until the by-elections, candidates have been actively campaigning in their respective wards, eager to outdo one another and emerge victorious at the ballot. 
Despite their extensive efforts, a quiet battle for political supremacy is developing between government-affiliated candidates, those allied with Dr. Matiangi, and candidates from the ODM party in certain areas.  

Attempts to unite Matiangi's supporters behind specific candidates fell short a few weeks ago, resulting in several political parties backing multiple candidates across the board. 

Matiangi is challenging well-established government-supported candidates. Despite some discontent among a faction of government leaders, Japheth Nyakundi and Jerusha Momanyi have been actively campaigning for UDA candidates in both Nyansiongo and Nyamaiya.  

Campaigns for Nyamiaya Ward UPA candidate Chris Osiemo.

Second-term MP Joash Nyamoko is expected to lead the last-minute campaign efforts for the UDA party candidate in Ekerenyo. In Nyansiongo, the incumbent Denis Kebaso, who lost his seat through an election petition, is competing against eight other candidates, including PDP candidate Jackson Mogusu, who filed the petition.

Nyansiongo is Dr. Matiangi's home area, and his team is expected to campaign for both Mogusu and the UPA party candidate, Kevin Maranga. UPA National Chairman Nyambega Gisesa has indicated that Matiangi's team will support both candidates.  

"It is no secret that we have candidates allied with Matiangi. We will strive to balance the campaigns. They are all our brothers, and each of them has a stake in winning the seat," he said.  

Nyansiongo, a largely cosmopolitan area, has attracted prominent members of the community who have acquired large parcels of land for farming or have converted them into homesteads. 

Both Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and his Deputy James Gesami have homes in this ward. Nyaribo is supporting the UPA candidate, while his deputy is associated with the UDA candidate, having established close working relations within the broad-based government.  

Borabu MP Patrick Osero has not openly declared his support for either candidate. A close ally of President William Ruto, Osero was elected on an ODM party ticket.  

In Ekerenyo, the Matiangi-led team will need to balance support for specific candidates carefully. Matiangi's Jubilee Party has nominated Alfred Okerio, while UPA is firmly backing Jeremiah Ongaro. 

Although ODM did not present a candidate for Ekerenyo Ward, UDA candidate Francis Amenya is expected to receive government backing while facing stiff competition from 11 other candidates.  

An intriguing contest is shaping up in Nyamaiya, where UDA, ODM, and UPA have vowed to push hard for their candidates to emerge victorious. 

ODM MPs Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) and Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) have been actively campaigning for UPA candidate Chris Osiemo, who is the brother of the former area MCA who tragically died in a road accident.  

ODM candidate Martin Kibore has received support from Kisii Assembly Majority Leader Henry Moracha, who is reportedly leading the campaigns on behalf of the party's Deputy Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati.